Just bought 2001 XK8 with 18" Michelin tires At speeds between 68 and 75, the steering wheel really vibrated and shimmied radically. At lowerv speeds it was solid. Any reason for this?

 

tires flatspotted or worn on inner edge really bad.. or just out of balanced..

 

Try infalting tires to about 50psi and drive about 10 miles not over 50mph. Then set tire pressures back to 32. Then get to highway speed again and see if improved. If no different, go get them balanced.

 

Thank you very much.

I am new to this site. Maybe you can inform me why my questions go to the 2007 & Up forums rather than the 1997 & Newer forum?

 

2001 XK8, yes, you should be one folder level up... also, moderators should be able to move the thread to the correct forum section. Either way,looks like the folks here gave you the information you needed.

Those vibrations are usually due to out of balance wheels. Could be tire related (flat spots, uneven wear due to alignment, etc.), wheels that are bent (pot holes, curbs).

I would take the wheels out, clean them completely,check thetires for wear,balance them and try again. You have no idea how much road grime can affect the balance, asphalt and rocks stick to the inside... so clean them well.

Could be far off... but you never know... check that it does not have fix-a-flat in there... that would cause vibrations at those speeds as well...

If everything checks out on the tires and wheels the next thing to check is alignment and front end links.

 

And this thread is 9 years old! Where are you digging these up? The original posters could be dead by now!