Steering shake?

[The Silver Pellet]

I've noticed my steering wheel exhibits vibration when I get above 60 mph. Quite noticeable at 70. For the record, I do not have power steering.

I suspected it might be due to rain grooves cut into concrete roadways, but the vibration also occurs on plain-surfaced asphalt.

I don't recall if the car was like that originally. I know I haven't hit anything or curbed it.

The vibration isn't horrendous, and doesn't affect handling. But it is enough to cause concern over undue steering component wear. (Note: This isn't a crosswind effect. I know what that is, and can tell the difference.)

I'm reconciling myself to turning the car in to the dealer for checking wheel balance and alignment. I hate to have to go through the pain of the drop off, and subsequent pickup, but ...

Has anyone else noticed similar behavior?

And if so, was it ever solved? (and how?)
-------------------------------
UPDATE: I took the car in to the dealer. The tech rebalanced all four wheels, and its now super smooth. I kick myself for waiting so long. I hadn't realized how much it was bothering me, until after it got fixed.

[BlkonBlk]

How many miles are on your car,
1. check rims for weights
2. could be your missing a weight somewhere casusing vibration
3. get a alignment

[Smartfor2guy]

Originally Posted by BlkonBlk

How many miles are on your car,
1. check rims for weights
2. could be your missing a weight somewhere casusing vibration
3. get a alignment

Bad alignment will not cause a vibration....
Smart uses stick on wheel weights to balance their wheels ..one probably fell off.

Have your tires rebalanced at the dealer for free.

Smartfor2guy
ASE Certified Technician

[John_H]

The dealer will probably rebalance while you wait if you arrange it with them ahead of time. I agree that it's the #1 probable cause.

[markitect]

Mine became significantly off balance just from mud behind the spokes

[Dougg]

My smart was smooth on the freeway (such as they are) until I hit a step or ledge in the concrete... BAM like hitting a chuck-hole... on I-5 heading from LA near the bottom of the Grapevine. After that I noticed a bit of jiggle both in the steering wheel and floor. Might have knocked off a couple of wheel weights, because when I got it home to my local tire dealer he found both left-side tires out of balance, one by 1/2 oz and the other 3/4 ounce.

He also ran the pressures to 35 all-round and this improved handling and eased steering.

[BandSofC]

I had to have mine rebalanced at the dealer. It vibrated from day 1. They took care of it under warranty. Smooth as silk now.

[The Silver Pellet]

UPDATE: I took the car in to the dealer. The tech rebalanced all four wheels, and its now super smooth. I kick myself for waiting so long. I hadn't realized how much it was bothering me, until after it got fixed.

[Old smart]

Do what the SCCA scrutineers always demand: duct tape-over the stick-on weights once the tires are balanced.

[Wdhitch]

Just made the appointment at the dealer... THANK YOU!!! I thought it was just the lack of power steering...