Way to check driveshafts?

[Motion500]

My 98 Civic EX has had this stupid vibration for 2 1/2 years now. It only appears above 70+mph and is just enough to be irritating. I rotated tires on rims, off of rims and every other variation I could. After destroying the first set of tires (could not balance them if I tried), I took the rims to the manfacturer(TSW) for an inspection.
They used their high speed balancing and tested all fours rims to be perfect. Still, the passenger front continues to vibrate and screw up tires.

I know I have hit plenty of pot holes in my day, so my question is:
Is there any way to check the driveshaft for straightness? If I take it to a shop are they going to bend me over for this?

[ivymike1031]

How about checking your brake rotors for runout/warpage first? These civics seem (anecdotaly anyway) to be notorious for warping brake rotors.

I'm not sure how driveshaft, rim, or other vibration would significantly affect tire wear. Anyone have any theories on that?

[Motion500]

Yeah, went through the rotors, they are true as ever. The issue with the tires is that they build up more on one side than the other. Kinda like when a tire begins to separate with a bubble underneath.
But, the tires are fine, you just cannot balance them without a ton of weight.

When the car is in the air, with the car running in gear, the tires have a wobble to them like the rim is bent. But put the rim on the other side and it is perfect.

[xodus917]

i suggest checking your alignment, if thats already been checked, the shops shouldn't charge much for a diagnosis, (make sure you tell them you want only this) most chare around 60 bucks or whatever they charge for an hour of labor. But if they tell you, you need to change a driveshaft they will bend you over for that. So i suggest you change the driveshaft yourself. it isn't that hard, just takes time and patience.

[MARKUSIUDIUS]

When a car vibrates there are three main causes. Brakes, wheels and shockabsorbers. Reading the above sounds as though you have not looked at the suspension setup. It may be an idea to check the shockers and springs also the control arms, bushes and rubbers and also the steering box although this probably wouldnt cause tyre wear.

All the best :flash:

[89ssgti]

if your suspension/direction is messed up and your car is not aligned properly,it could mees up your tires.Then,you could balance them,but they still would have an irregular surface causing the vibration.

Also,if you have aftermarket wheels,you do need hub adapter if the hub is smaller than the center of the wheels.Also be sure to thighten the lug nuts with a torque wrench.