I have a 2002 Camry LE (4 cyl). The car has approx 90,000 well maintained miles on it and has recently developed a slight shake that can be felt in the steering wheel and within the passenger compartment. The shake/vibration begins at about 65mph and increases in strength as speed increases over that limit. The intensity picks up at higher speed but its not violent. New tires were installed less than 3k ago, so I know they are sound. (condition existed prior to new tires - thought it was a separated belt) The shake feels like its coming off the right front.

The other day I jacked the car up and attempted to determine if there was slop/play in the front right by moving the wheel side to side and attempted to see if there was any play top to bottom of the wheel. Nothing... all tight and nothing sloppy. I pulled the front right wheel checked the tie-rod end, cv joint, brake caliper and strut assembly. No leaks, no signs of abnormal wear. I do not believe the ball joint is bad, there is no humming or whine sound at speed when the wheels are turned from side to side.

My next step is getting the car aligned on Tuesday. I have never had the car aligned in the 6 years I have owned it. Any thoughts or opinions? I know it's a crap shoot, but thought I would bounce it off the group here.

Thanks.

I'd say nine times out of ten that getting it aligned solves the problem. If it doesn't, my next step would be to have the transmission checked.

How about a bent rim? It may be worth the time to swap tires around to pin point it.

I'd say nine times out of ten that getting it aligned solves the problem. If it doesn't, my next step would be to have the transmission checked.

Never considered the tranny... The tranny works soundly and hits its shift points smoothly without any mechanical issue. God forbid it's a tranny issue... that's certainly a painful cost to incur should that be the case.

How about a bent rim? It may be worth the time to swap tires around to pin point it.

I did consider a bent rim... so the other day I rotated the tires so the rim in question was moved to the opposite side back. Same problem... I have my fingers crossed the alignment will be the answer. But with my luck it won't... :rolleyes: