Hey all, what is the fastest you have driven your Outlander?

I have had my 2008 XLS up to 100, but it isn't very pleasant at that speed.

At around 80, it starts to shake... I am not sure if it is a wheel vibration or something aerodynamic. The reason I think it may be aerodynamic is because I hear the "helicopter effect", like you do when you open rear windows on the highway. Except all my windows are closed and I still hear the effect and feel it through my seat.

 

I've also had it up to 95-100 on a test run right after I changed spark plugs. My impression was very stable and actually didn't realize how fast I was going until I looked down. I know I've said it before, but I really believe it is best...grab Firestone's lifetime alignment deal..after 2nd check, it pays for itself. I get the alignment checked every OCI (7.5k miles) I also have balance checked as well.

 

If you're experiencing instability at triple digits without any wind... then you have an alignment, tire, or suspension issue.

 

Outlander Sport will go over 100 and remain very stable, it just takes a loooooooooong time to get there...

 

The thing is I had a few alignments done so far by good shops. One was actually a very good shop.

Tires are balanced.

The ride is very smooth up to 75-80.

At this point I think one or maybe both of my front rotors are out of whack.

 

Are the rims bent possibly?

 

Don't see any visual signs... Also when doing a balancing job, would the mechanics have pointed this out to me?

Also I think I should be able to feel the effects of a bent rim at slower speeds, right? ( I don't)

 

even a slight bent rim will feel like an out of balance wheel.

when I had my '93 eclipse that I put 16" rims on it...I was HARD on those rims and I got decent at bending rims back slowly so they looked right with a hydraulic press. I bent rims back 6 times...so each rim got at least one knock. I could never get them balanced right...but the harmonics of the vibrations smoothed out around 75....65-70 was not pleasant. There is a type of balancer called "Road Force" that measures the rim while it balances...then spits out a report. When I had mine done, it was laughable. Each rim failed.

 

So do the Outlander's 18" rims bend easily?

Thing is I am pretty sure I am very careful and never hit any potholes.

But this is my wife's car. I can't speak for what she drives over during the day while I am at work.

 

Have you tried this more than once? Are you sure it wasn't just a weird stretch of road or an odd cross wind?