ThePiombino

So the powers that be forced me into work today (despite 15" of snow). In the process I had to go over a giant mound of snow at the foot of my driveway (thank you, Mr. Plow). Everything seemed fine until I hit the highway. As soon as I got the speed up to about 50MPH I started noticing a "shudder" coming from somewhere under the car. It feels somewhat similar to what an unbalanced wheel might feel like...I think.

Does anyone have any idea what the issue could be? Maybe some ice was throwing the alignment off or something? Bent wheel? Something worse!?

Also (and this might just be my head playing games at this point), I feel like the car is having a hard time making power. I'll have to see what happens on my ride home =0(

Old Dog

A couple of things come to mind: (1) maybe some snow packed in your rim(s) and caused an imbalance, or (2) maybe you lost some wheel weights?

Good Luck!

ThePiombino

Hoping for #1. Though I would gladly take #2 over anything else it might be!!!

jaumbie

Check the protective plastic shields underneath your car.

I had a similar experience and would bet that one or more of the protective plastic shields has been damaged and is flapping when you get up to speed. Before I had my car repaired, my body shop removed one for me, and the noise and vibration was gone.

ThePiombino

OK, folks. Sorry I didn't get back to you last night, but I can confirm that after my 50+ mile commute home (mostly highway speeds) that the shudder and steering wheel vibrations are gone!!! Looks like it was just a build up of snow/ice inside the wheels that was causing the balance issue. Thanks again for your input!!!

Old Dog

Phew!!! Good for you . May all our car problems be as big .

MrStuff

I've had that happen to me before... quite scary the first time... Shakes the crap out of the car (wasn't an audi)

snagitseven

If a quarter of an ounce of wheel weight can throw off an Audi Quattro's extremely sensitive wheel balance, it doesn't take much imagination to guess what a coupla pounds of tightly packed snow and ice will do.

ThePiombino

Valid point! With that said, bring on spring!!!

SWAG ON

you should have shovelled that mound before leaving the house.