Diagnosis And Testing - Tire And Wheel Vibration: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Dodge Journey and 2015 Dodge Journey. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Tire and wheel imbalance, runout and tire road force variation can cause vehicles to exhibit steering wheel vibration and/or seat vibration.

VEHICLES WITH A VIBRATION OR SHAKE

The following procedure is to identify, prevent and correct tire flat spotting.

Description

Immediately following delivery, some vehicles may exhibit a vibration or shake due to temporary tire flat-spotting. The vibration may be felt in the steering wheel or seat and will be most noticeable at highway speeds 96 kph (60 mph). This could be misinterpreted as an out of balance tire. Flat Spotting can occur if the vehicle has not been moved for a few days or for a longer period of time. In most cases it is temporary condition. In extreme cases it can be permanent.

Tire pressure is often inflated to the maximum sidewall pressure at the vehicle assembly plant to prevent "flat spots" on tires during new vehicle shipping and vehicle storage. Inflating tires to the maximum sidewall tire pressure helps to preserve the integrity of the tire and reduces potential technical issues.

It is important to remove temporary flat spotting before performing tire balance, tire run-out or tire road force checks. If the flat spotting is not removed it can result in incorrect measurements.

Flat Spotting Removal

NOTE:

If the vehicle has been sitting for an extended period of time it is recommended to drive the vehicle to warm the tires. This process could eliminate flat spots that can cause vibration.

Drive the vehicle at highway speeds until the vibration (flat spotting) is eliminated.
NOTE:
In most cases, flat spot vibrations will be eliminated within 20 minutes (about 20 miles) of driving at highway speeds. If the vehicle has been stored without moving for an extended time, it may be necessary to drive the vehicle longer at highway speeds. If the vibration is not completely eliminated during the test drive, proceed to Step 2.
Within 10 minutes after driving the vehicle, raise the vehicle so there is no load on the tires.
Check the tire and wheel assemblies for balance, run-out, and road force variation. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .
Only install new tires after the vehicle has been driven as directed and all appropriate wheel and tire diagnostics have been completed.