Did I damage my wheel bearing(s)?, or WTH is going on??? Options

[conus00]

Couple days ago I came very close to having accident. Some jerk pulled a U-turn right in front of me and I ended up hammering my brakes so hard that I locked all four wheels and after maybe 30ft of skidding I stopped couple feet from that a$$hole. I was literally in a cloud of smoke from my tires so thick that I couldn't see anything behind me. Normally, I assume, that wheel/suspension components should be able to handle that amount of force with stock brake system but I have recently upgraded fronts to Willwood big brake kit and rear to GT disks. I haven't changed hubs or anything. Also, bear in mind, that majority of the components (not counting engine) are, most likely, original and hitting 230,000 miles mark.
That being said after this close call my car developed weird vibrations in front.
To best describe it:
It is not noticeable up until approx 65mph. After I hit that speed the cars has sort of bumpy feeling (like going over a whole bunch of tiny speed bumps). When I get close to 80mph the feeling of vibrations changes to, sort of almost a buzz.
Also I noticed that at the high speeds on highway (around 70-80mph) while turning into long curve (or changing lanes) the vibrations intensify. It's really hard to describe it.

I'm curious what might be causing this and how dangerous it is to drive in such condition. Also I'd like to know if it is in any way related to my near accident experience.

Thanks!

[conus00]

well if your brakes locked up, and you were skidding, and you went 30ft or so, your going to have some decent flat spots on the tires now. you might need an alignment too

MKERNZ is absolutely right. if you made a 30ft skid, i assume you were going about 40-50mph possibly? in anycase, if you made that much smoke, you DEFINATELY created a flat spot on some tires. wheel bearing is more like a grinding. but your example sounds like you have some tire issues.

also alignment may be in order as previously stated.


what kind of tires? i assume since your car is lowered you have some low profiles on there?

Yeah, I was doing about 50 (the speed limit at the area is 45, so I think that sounds about right), I recently have Falken Azenis in front and Toyo Proxes in the back (18/40/225), the car is not lowered but I have replaced the OEM shocks for much stiffer Monroes.

So I can see that general consensus is flat spot on the tire(s). That's good because my fronts will need to be replaced soon anyway. Definitely easier than replacing bearings (but not cheaper).

I have 200 mile drive ahead of me today so I will keep an eye on things and report back. Thanks!

This post has been edited by conus00: May 9, 2011 - 2:57 AM