Vibrations - 2015 corolla

Question

Hi Scotty. Have a 2015 corolla. I have noticed very slight vibrations in the steering wheel at about 30-50 ks/hour, not higher than this. It's noticeable to me but my partner doesn't notice it - very subtle. To attempt to fix, I replaced all tyres, did a wheel alignment, also have recently changed the spark plugs and air filter. No luck. I was told by the alignment place that the rear axle has a one degree difference between each wheel. but there's no way to fix since it's a fixed axle. Is this likely to be the cause? It pains me because I bought the car for $10.5k and recently test drove a $3.6k 2001 corolla which has NO vibrations in the steering wheel and is nice and soft. I also find the ride very firm, although apparently the suspension has no issues. Should I flick the car or is there some obvious way to solve it? Seems that it may just be the model. Cheers.

BruceREE · Accepted Answer

One degree is so slight, you ain't racing or anything so there shouldn't be that noticed, especially since that is rear end, corolla is a front end drive so if anything it's most likely something along the front suspension. Since that was checked and it's okay. If your partner does not notice it then it could just be all in your head. Maybe you are making up a reason not to like the car? As you said, it's very slight. If it is that subtle it could just be the way the car is. And if it's not veering from side to side or if you are not holding the wheel (lightly holding it driving straight) and it's not visibility shaking a whole lot that's just how it be. If you can't live with it, move on. But do not try to fix a problem that ain't broke. If everything is mechanically sound, You will just end up wasting money trying to find a ghost.