If the problem comes back after a time, you might be losing balance weights or you might have a problem with the wheel or suspension. Uneven wear can lead to a vibration and this is usually a sign of an alignment or suspension problem. This would also go away with a new tire and return later as was described.

In another life I worked in a wheel shop. We sold aftermarket wheels, tires, and rebuilt Dunlop, Dayton and Borrani wire wheels. I learned a lot there.

Vibration can be one of three major things:

- tires
- wheels
- suspension component(s)

If you don't know what you're doing you can chase a vibration for a long time.

Usually balancing is a good first choice - it gives you a chance to inspect wheel and tire, and visible suspension components, and to see any problems with the tire and wheel when it's on the balancing machine. If the tires balance and the problem goes away, there you go.

If the problem is still there after balancing, you probably missed a problem with the wheel or suspension. But don't ignore the possibility that the tire is improperly balanced. Give them another spin and see if they're still balanaced. I have watch many techs give the tire a quick spin, slap some weights on and immediately dismount the tire from the machine without verifying the balance is correct.

Take a look at the tire. Does it have something irregular about it - maybe a high spot (easier to see when the tire is spun) or an out-of-round issue?

Is the wheel straight (runs without wobbling from side to side) and concentric (doesn't have a high spot as it goes around). This is easier to see without the tire mounted.

And what about your suspension? Is there something loose, bent, broken or missing? Check ball joints, tie-rod ends, pitman arm, drag link, tie rod, hub, brake rotor (these can get warped and cause problems), bearings, steering box. With four-wheel independent suspension, don't forget the back.

Stick with one tech who can trace the problem from one end to the other. If several people look at it, each will start from a different point and possibly just repeat the last guy's checks with no new result.