Hello again to all. I am currently tying to diagnose the vibration that occurs when I am driving over 50 mph. I am looking into getting new tires with a complete alignment done real soon, but in the mean time im trying to rule out any other possible problems. I performed a simple check that was recommended by someone on this forum. I jacked the car up and grabbed the wheel from the 12o'clock and 6 o'clock position and moved it back and forth and I noticed that both front wheels have play in them I thought maybe the lug nuts were loose but they weren't. I have reason to believe that this is the major reason my car is shaking. If so what parts should I be checking? How much does repairing something like this cost, and where would be the best place to look for parts. Thanks for all your help much appreciated---Ren

 

You will experience some play because of wheel bearing adjustment. It should be a minimum amount though. Vibration over 50 usually wheel balancing, tires. If you're going to have the front end aligned, they will check out the suspension, etc, before they perform the alignment. All front suspension components should be checked. Tie rod ends, ball joints, struts, bushings and the like. Check to see if tires are wearing, inside, outside, cupped, etc. This will gives some idea of worn component.

 

if your front wheels wiggle like that you may need new wheel bearings...putting them in is a bitch...but its possible...

mazdatrix.com has the parts and a tutorial...
http://www.mazdatrix.com/faq/frontbrg.htm

good luck