It was the wheel and/or tire. I drove off my drive way today and the noise was bad, and the steering wheel all over the place. I pulled back up and this is what I saw... The rim surprisingly didn't get damaged at all other than a few nicks at the top of the lip.

Anyone know why this would happen? The back bead is still sealed, and it was only the front that popped off.
I put my old wheels on, and the car drives perfect again. I still don't know how this could happen and why the popping noise. Obviously the wheel only popped off today.
The tire tread looks a lot worse now then it did last week. They were 245/35/r20 Pirelli P-Zeros. I'm thinking about replacing both fronts with 255/35/r20 and hoping that will fix something.

 

Wow...crazy. What size wheels? Were you trying to stretch them too much?

 

These were the size I was told to put on. I wouldn't think so since 9 inch wide wheels = 228.6mm and I had 245mm wide tires on there. I know a couple of other people on here who have the same wheels with the same spec tires...

 

'09 G37S Hi, I have the same problem with stock wheels. Its more prominent after sitting in freezing temp; also, if U R turning over any type of debris like wet leaves or ice/snow, the tires will slip over the material & when it contacts the asphalt it will encounter incr resistance to the pavement resulting in a shudder thru the suspension; mine gets better on a clean pavement, but still doesnt feel smooth; maybe this is a characteristic over the susp'n & design caster. The suspension looks pristine with only 8K.

 

Mine was due to irregular tire wire. I replaced the tires and it went away.

 

it's your wheel bearing. have your axles checked + cv joints.

 

Hey guys, I know this is an old thread but I am experiencing the same problem and I am dying to know to cause of it. Since the thread is dead, I am assuming that some of you found the cure for it and did not continue to investigate the issue any further. I greatly appreciate any input. I have found 3 different threads regarding the same issue, so I will post this reply to each one of them. So, do not rant if you see the same post. I am just trying to reach out to as many people as I can.

I live in Arkansas and it does not get that cold up here in there mornings yet. Every morning when it is below 70 F, I hear that pop and it feels like the steering wheel jerks slightly, after I backed up the car from the drive and turn right. In addition to that feeling and popping sound, I have a very loud humming noise which increases with acceleration. Plus I have a knocking sound that I think is coming from the passenger side (rear or front) that when I go over slight dips. It does not happen at speed bumps or turns, only at dips. The dealership "listened to the wheel with a stethoscope" but they could not find the issue because my tires are "cupped and loud". Although I could not picture this in my mind, I did not argue with him. I appreciate any valid input rather than could be this could be that. TIA.

 

Ive had this happen to me too. 2008 Journey. My tread pattern looked funny. So I inflated tires a few PSI higher. It all but stopped. Will inflate tires again, since temps are now 50s-60s day and 40s in mornings. Also am changing my shocks and struts. 140 K miles. Way overdue. Will see if it continues.