Vibration

Rock · 10 March 2007, 19:09:39

Have got a noticible vibration coming from one of the wheels. Can't work out which side, or if its front or back (or both).

At low speeds it almost feels like i'm driving over a lightly rumbled road, and it almost sounds / feels like there is a very slight grinding / rubbing. Its not brakes cos i've JUST had them done. At higher speeds >75mph the vibration is getting bad enough that i don't drive at those speeds.

Wondered whats best to check. I have had all 4 wheels balance within the last few months. Could it be a bearing maybe? Anyone else had this? or got any ideas?

TheBoy · 10 March 2007, 20:07:04

QuoteHave got a noticible vibration coming from one of the wheels. Can't work out which side, or if its front or back (or both).

At low speeds it almost feels like i'm driving over a lightly rumbled road, and it almost sounds / feels like there is a very slight grinding / rubbing. Its not brakes cos i've JUST had them done. At higher speeds >75mph the vibration is getting bad enough that i don't drive at those speeds.

Wondered whats best to check. I have had all 4 wheels balance within the last few months. Could it be a bearing maybe? Anyone else had this? or got any ideas?

Sounds like rear wheel balance, possibly prop shaft...

Rock · 10 March 2007, 20:36:00

What would be involved in sorting the prop shaft if it was that? Will get the balance checked on monday!

TheBoy · 10 March 2007, 20:38:32

QuoteWhat would be involved in sorting the prop shaft if it was that? Will get the balance checked on monday!

More likely wheel balance, so see what happens when they're done

theolodian · 10 March 2007, 20:45:29

It might be worth swapping the wheels front-back and looking for missing pieces of brake discs. Also look for torn CV boots. If the shake changes, then it is the wheels. If you don't see anything obvious then it becomes more difficult.

Omegatoy · 10 March 2007, 20:47:40

sousnds more like a distorted tyre or buckled wheel to me???

Rock · 10 March 2007, 21:19:10

Well i will get the balancing done as i think they only charge about £6 per wheel.

If that doesn't work, i will try putting the spare on in place of one wheel and trying to see if there is any improvement. If there is then i have found either a dodgy wheel or tyre. If not, i will keep putting the spare on in place of the other wheels etc.

Rock · 12 March 2007, 16:21:12

Popped into my local ATS this afternoon and asked them to balance my rear wheels. They looked at them briefly (and i mean very briefly without taking them off the car) and decided that the tyres were out of shape, and wearing unevenly, and balancing would not sort out the problem, and i needed new tyres.

Had my MOT last week, and they reported no problems on my tyres.....

Are they just trying to take me for a ride, or does it sound reasonable?

Kevin Wood · 12 March 2007, 16:28:20

What damage did they point out? If you've got a bulge in the sidewall, cracks anywhere or severe wear in the tread at any point they're probably right. However, a dangerous tyre would have been picked up at the MOT so it can't be that bad.

These places do always try to inflate a job, IMO. They make their money from selling tyres not balancing wheels.

If the tyres are pretty badly worn and will only last you another couple of months anyway, it's probably not worth getting them balanced. If they are wearing unevenly it's a bit of a concern, especially on the back. Is it a case that edge wear is greater then inside wear, one edge worn more than the other or is the uneven wear in patches around the tyre's circumference?

Kevin

theolodian · 12 March 2007, 16:58:47

QuotePopped into my local ATS this afternoon and asked them to balance my rear wheels. They looked at them briefly (and i mean very briefly without taking them off the car) and decided that the tyres were out of shape, and wearing unevenly, and balancing would not sort out the problem, and i needed new tyres.

Had my MOT last week, and they reported no problems on my tyres.....

Are they just trying to take me for a ride, or does it sound reasonable?

They're probably right, and it is a very likely scenario, but it is worth double-checking if you aren't sure.

ians · 12 March 2007, 18:19:01

I have had tyres go out of shape (even though the tread was fine) and the effect is quite alarming - just as you describe.

If its the front you will know about it through the steering, so if its just vibration through the car, most probably the back.
If you want to prove it (or further confuse the matter

) try changes the tyres front and rear and if it is misshapen tyre you should feel it though the steering wheel.

I have no experience of dodgy propshaft, but I think you need to rule out the tyres/wheels first.

Cheers

Ian

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Vibration