Front End (maybe) Vibration [Archive] - MercuryMarauder.net Forums

Bluerauder

10-24-2006, 12:45 PM

At speeds over say about 50 mph I have an odd vibration. I have new shocks, new brakes and turned rotors, force line balance on new tires. Alignment is in specs. Dealer has looked it over a couple of times, they checked the pre loading. I am as is the dealer at a loss. Anyone have any ideas? Driveshaft maybe? Rear tire issue? Seems to settle down over 70.

2003 300A 62k, Cooper 245/45's on the front Kumho 255/45's on the back.
I had a similar issue at 50-60 mph after new front tires and Road Force balancing with the Hunter 9100. Had it back in the next day and had them redo the balancing. I suspect that one of the wheel weights didn't stick properly. They cleaned up the wheels better on the 2nd go around to improve the stick of the weights and all is fine up to 100 MPH or so for the past 4 months. :rolleyes:

Blackened300a

10-24-2006, 02:23 PM

I had a wheel weight pop off when I was cleaning the inside of the rims, That caused a vibration like the one you are explaining.
Try that first.

Richy63

10-24-2006, 05:35 PM

Second set of tires and third wheel balance. Seems to be getting worse as time goes on. I read all the posts I could find on the subject and checked then rechecked mine nothing has helped. I am leaning towards the rack or possibly the driveline if that is possible

hbarrett

10-25-2006, 09:27 AM

I sympathize with you, I am having the same experience, even after new tires and multiple RF balancing. My vibrations first showed up after the modified alignment recommended around here. Very frustrating!
Second set of tires and third wheel balance. Seems to be getting worse as time goes on. I read all the posts I could find on the subject and checked then rechecked mine nothing has helped. I am leaning towards the rack or possibly the driveline if that is possible

Richy63

10-25-2006, 01:48 PM

I went back to the dealer today about this. They are at a loss as well and all the area Marauders are doing this as well. Seems to grow worse with mileage

shakes_26

10-25-2006, 05:00 PM

do you feel it in the steering wheel or is it felt through seat/floor?

Also have they had their Hunter GPS (wheel balancer) recalibrated recently? It could be whacked. Also have them check the road force drum, they build up high spots over time and throw the readings waaay out.

But I might also try another FLM dealer, these guys might not be on top of it...

jabo731

10-25-2006, 05:19 PM

I understang the frustration, mine seems to be coming from the rear. Car seems to sway a little.

MdnightMarauder

10-27-2006, 10:00 AM

I am going through this same problem. Very frustrating. I have noticed it more 60 to 70 range. Rebalnced few times. thought it was the tread wear. Replaced front tires and still there. Not sure what to do next. If you have any ideas that would be great.

Richy63

10-27-2006, 07:35 PM

I am pretty happy with the dealer they take allot of time with the Marauders. The suspension guy has noticed three others with the intermittant balance. I had the force balance on all four tires. Next week I am taking it back again, I am leaning towards the rack. Since so many folks have the same issue it might be something with the larger tires and they didn't beef up the rack. Dealer is also going to call Dearborne see what the engineers have to say. Has anyone had rack issues yet? I have put the car up on a lift and checked everything it seems tight.

MdnightMarauder

10-28-2006, 10:15 AM

No I havent had any rack issues. But one other thing has sort of been on my nerves. When I brake sometimes I get a creek or a clunk type noise. I had them replace a upper control arm but that didn't fix the noise. Since the front components are all aluminum noise likes to travel. Dont know if it is the rack or all of the control arms. (upper&lower). Anybody else have this noise?

SergntMac

10-28-2006, 10:47 AM

Seneca

10-28-2006, 11:05 AM

I sympathize with you, I am having the same experience, even after new tires and multiple RF balancing. My vibrations first showed up after the modified alignment recommended around here. Very frustrating!
I'll tell ya what drives me nuts. I guess it's not really a big issue. Is i only drive my car on weekends some times every other week. And it seems like the tires get flat spots on them for the 1st 2 to 3 miles it shakes like crazy then it gets just as smooth as anything. anyone else having those issues?

SergntMac

10-28-2006, 12:05 PM

I would expect flat spots from the car sitting idle, but I would expect them to smooth out once the tire is heated from use.

Badger

11-06-2006, 11:06 AM

Looking over the search results this looks like a common issue...but maybe mine is a little more complex.

Background:
I've had a vibration issue since my new front tires were put on....but I also have been experiencing a clunk sound when I stop, put it into reverse, and gently hit the throttle.
I had the brakes upgraded to Baers in August with the original tires. No vibration issues. Then I replaced the front tires and didn't get them balanced as the Merc dealer didn't have wheel weights low enough. I developed a harmonic vibration at speeds that came and went...contructive and destructive interferance. I felt this through the steering wheel. Recently I had all four tires balanced at a shop that had the low wheel weights. I now notice a vibration at 80mph that sometimes blurs the rear view mirror.
Along with the clunk when I go into reverse.
So what is it? I couldn't move the driveshaft by hand when she was up on the lift.
Axle going? Tire out of round? Driveshaft weight? BTW I still have the 3:55s on.

Badger

11-06-2006, 11:45 AM

Just posted this. Phantom vibration monster strikes again! Only have 27k miles on it too.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=31643

hbarrett

11-06-2006, 11:49 AM

Seems that many of us have developed the vibrations at high speed. I never had vibration until a few months ago when I had the dealer realign the front end to carfixer spec to stop the inside edge tire wear, although, now I believe the tech screwed up the alignment or did something incorrectly. Anyway, from that day on vibrations come and go in the 65 to 85 mph range, like the constructive and destructive interference you describe (BTW, I like the way you threw the eng. language in there). I replaced all four tires, and have done RF balancing three times during the past month - no change. Now the dealer's tech says the alignment must be redone, but they can't do it because they had to replace two wheels after they scratched them on the last attempt. Now, I must take the MM to a high tech alignment shop in Delaware where they have the capability to align it properly. I have not had the clunk problem you describe, but have read other threads where it was mentioned. Good luck with your problem!
Howard
Looking over the search results this looks like a common issue...but maybe mine is a little more complex.

Background:
I've had a vibration issue since my new front tires were put on....but I also have been experiencing a clunk sound when I stop, put it into reverse, and gently hit the throttle.
I had the brakes upgraded to Baers in August with the original tires. No vibration issues. Then I replaced the front tires and didn't get them balanced as the Merc dealer didn't have wheel weights low enough. I developed a harmonic vibration at speeds that came and went...contructive and destructive interferance. I felt this through the steering wheel. Recently I had all four tires balanced at a shop that had the low wheel weights. I now notice a vibration at 80mph that sometimes blurs the rear view mirror.
Along with the clunk when I go into reverse.
So what is it? I couldn't move the driveshaft by hand when she was up on the lift.
Axle going? Tire out of round? Driveshaft weight? BTW I still have the 3:55s on.

Badger

11-06-2006, 12:31 PM

I was wondering if the new specs might magnify the effect of small imbalances in the front wheels. I had so many mods going on this fall that I was trying to figure out a pattern. Before the balancing with the new brakes and tires I would get "waves" of vibrations. Some strong some weak, and some null points it seemed. After the wheels were balanced it seemed to get better but the vibration is still there. I'll see if anyone else chimes in. I kept asking myself what changed....
New tires.
New Brakes up front.
New alignment spec.

hbarrett

11-06-2006, 01:33 PM

One of my new front tires had to be replaced as soon as they tried to RF balance it due to a slight wobble of the treads, still, it didn't get rid of the vibration. I will be trying the alignment shop in Newark, DE on Friday this week. The mechanic there has told me he can fix the problem or I owe him nothing.
I was wondering if the new specs might magnify the effect of small imbalances in the front wheels. I had so many mods going on this fall that I was trying to figure out a pattern. Before the balancing with the new brakes and tires I would get "waves" of vibrations. Some strong some weak, and some null points it seemed. After the wheels were balanced it seemed to get better but the vibration is still there. I'll see if anyone else chimes in. I kept asking myself what changed....
New tires.
New Brakes up front.
New alignment spec.

Big House

11-06-2006, 02:00 PM

Badger,

What you have described, I experienced right up unitl I got new wheels. right at 80mph, I could feel the on/off vibes in the wheel. After the factory wheels came off and the new ones went on, she doen't start vibing until 115. I plan on a DS upgade before seeing 140+ on with 4:10s. Good luck hunting that vibe down though.

House

Bradley G

11-06-2006, 02:57 PM

Badger

11-06-2006, 03:22 PM

I also noticed a dash of paint on the side wall. Is this a code for balancing experts that a set of tires might be faulty? It seemed kind of odd that the sidewall would be marked like that. I do not recall if that paint was there when I purchased the tires from tirerack.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/2/4/1/9/DSCF0016.JPG

Badger

11-06-2006, 03:27 PM

BTW Big House those wheels are on my long term wish list! :D

whoskal

11-06-2006, 03:27 PM

Bradley G

11-06-2006, 04:16 PM

Funny, I had the vibe so long, that was one of the things I thought TOO!^^^
Along with tire orientation in regards to the valve stem.

All tires that I have got from Tirerack are marked like that

Breadfan

11-06-2006, 04:37 PM

As for common threads, those with vibrations were you on KDWS tires? (OEM tires)

mpearce

11-06-2006, 04:58 PM

It is the tires.
I lived with a vibe for several months, and several attempts at correcting this.
It was only after, new tires(warranty) were Road Force Balanced, for the second time, I was rid of it!
Hang in there!!!~

Bradley,

What exactly is road force balancing? Where can you get it done? What does it do? How much does it cost?

I did a search, and didn't really find a diffinitive answer.

-Mat

Bradley G

11-06-2006, 05:21 PM

Hunter makes this, It is a device that measures the tire surface for irregularities.
As the tire is spinning, the measuring device comes in contact with the tire surface.
I'm sure costs will vary considerably, as the machine is quite costly.
I would try Tire Rack or SVT dealerships, or anywhere that services High Performance vehicles.
The Mercedes dealer in my town has one.

Bradley,

What exactly is road force balancing? Where can you get it done? What does it do? How much does it cost?

I did a search, and didn't really find a diffinitive answer.

-Mat

Badger

11-06-2006, 05:27 PM

Breadfan: OEM KDWS.

hbarrett

11-06-2006, 05:52 PM

That paint appeared on my tires too after RF balancing. The tires have been RF balanced three times in four weeks, no change to the vibration. The "carfixer alignment spec" must have been done improperly. I am told that improper caster may cause the problem. I will find out later this week. If I can't get rid of the vibes, the MM goes. Never been too impressed with it anyway. Overpriced and underpowered!
I also noticed a dash of paint on the side wall. Is this a code for balancing experts that a set of tires might be faulty? It seemed kind of odd that the sidewall would be marked like that. I do not recall if that paint was there when I purchased the tires from tirerack.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/2/4/1/9/DSCF0016.JPG

Mach1

11-06-2006, 06:59 PM

Check your motor and transmission mounts, that could cause the clunking noise you are hearing. Have you had the driveshaft checked for straightness and balance? The Marauder driveshaft is long, which makes it more prone to vibrate than shorter ones. That is usually the cause of high frequency vibrations on the highway, especially if you have changed the rearend gearing. Custom made race driveshafts are a must if you modify these cars significantly.

Big House

11-07-2006, 09:59 AM

RPM 505's. You will have to get them machined to fit but I love them more every time I look at them.

Bradley G

11-08-2006, 07:03 PM

I'll tell ya what drives me nuts. I guess it's not really a big issue. Is i only drive my car on weekends some times every other week. And it seems like the tires get flat spots on them for the 1st 2 to 3 miles it shakes like crazy then it gets just as smooth as anything. anyone else having those issues?

I would expect flat spots from the car sitting idle, but I would expect them to smooth out once the tire is heated from use.
I know it cuts into valuable Posting efforts, Might want to actually read the post(s), prior to commenting.:help:

Magicape

11-09-2006, 03:05 PM

Mine sure feels like front end--vibration in the steering wheel. I've put in new rotors, shocks, set the pre-load, numerous re-mounting and balancing and have gone through one set of tires and was about 10K into the second set when I finally decided to junk the BFG's and put Goodyear fronts on--the same design as used on the cruisers (RSA) which I've owned and had good luck with. Tires and rims were matched and road force balance-$575. NO DAMN DIFFERENCE!
Maybe next is a balanced aluminum high speed drive shaft from a cruiser, but I'm too burned out now--maybe later.
I wonder about the steering rack because it's unique to these cars.
My vibration, as many others have experienced is rotational at the steering wheel, comes on at about 70mph and continues on up--just the frequency changes--seems harmonic.
The only certain way to get rid of this problem is to sell the car!

Magicape

11-09-2006, 03:12 PM

Yes to rack issues, but a while back. Same symptoms, same resolution for my vibration.

Our rack and gear is from the older Marks, and shared with the Town Car too. There is a '98-'99 TSB on adjusting the rack and improving stiffness at speed. It's worth a shot to ask them to look for that?

I read the setting was 53 inch pounds, then back off 1/2 turn. did that, no help. does anybody else have a copy of the TSB--I can't find.

SergntMac

11-09-2006, 04:55 PM

I know it cuts into valuable Posting efforts, Might want to actually read the post(s), prior to commenting.:help:So you're saying I should ignore the question posted? "Is anyone having these issues?" What help is that?

hbarrett

11-09-2006, 07:45 PM

I am in your court, exactly the same problem, and thoroughly disgusted. Too much about these cars is poorly designed and non-robust. This car is my last Ford expereince. I am realigning again tomorrow, and we will see what happens.
Mine sure feels like front end--vibration in the steering wheel. I've put in new rotors, shocks, set the pre-load, numerous re-mounting and balancing and have gone through one set of tires and was about 10K into the second set when I finally decided to junk the BFG's and put Goodyear fronts on--the same design as used on the cruisers (RSA) which I've owned and had good luck with. Tires and rims were matched and road force balance-$575. NO DAMN DIFFERENCE!
Maybe next is a balanced aluminum high speed drive shaft from a cruiser, but I'm too burned out now--maybe later.
I wonder about the steering rack because it's unique to these cars.
My vibration, as many others have experienced is rotational at the steering wheel, comes on at about 70mph and continues on up--just the frequency changes--seems harmonic.
The only certain way to get rid of this problem is to sell the car!

Donny Carlson

11-09-2006, 08:08 PM

First, the issue of flat spots on parked vehicles. Yeah, it's an issue that Ford knows about. There's a TSB for F-150's, for example, in particular those of us with 22" wheels and low profile tires. Essentially, sitting for any real period of time developes a flat spot that causes vibration until the tire heats up and it goes away. Like Mac said. I would imagine it's similar on the Marauder wheels, they are 18"s after all, and worsens the longer it sits.

As to vibration at speed, I don't know if this service is available in your area (seems logical some service center would offer this), but Marauder owners in the Atlanta area have the advantage of Butler Tire's high speed balancing service...

http://www.butlertire.com/services.asp

If you are feeling vibration in the steering wheel or seats at highway speeds, chances are your wheels and tires need balancing. Traditional “spin balancing” won’t always solve a vibration problem in today’s high performance cars. Butler Tire offers Hi-Speed On-The-Car Wheel Balancing to help solve vibration problems at higher speeds. The difference between a traditional spin balance and our on-the-car balance is often dramatic. Here’s why: Most tire stores only “spin balance” the tire and wheel off the car. This process will balance a wheel and tire assembly at 45 to 50 miles per hour. This standard type of balancing can work wonders at lower speeds, but to really eliminate high speed vibration, wheels must be balanced much more accurately, and at a higher rate of speed. Here is what our on-the-car balancing process consists of:

Remove the wheel and tire assembly from the car, and dynamically balance it using a Hunter GSP9700, or Roadforce Variation Machine
If applicable, index, or turn, the tire on the wheel to ensure the assembly is round when rolling
Apply the necessary weight to perfectly balance the wheel and tire assembly
Install the balanced wheel and tire assembly on the car using hand tools (no air-guns here)
Hand torque lugs or bolts to manufacturer specifications
Using our Hofmann finish-balancing machine to spin the non-drive wheels (i.e. front wheels on a rear-wheel drive car), and the motor of the car to spin the drive wheels, we run the wheel and tire assembly up to 120 miles per hour!
Minute measurements and adjustments are made to the balancing weights to ensure that the wheel and tire is perfectly matched to the hub of the car at all speeds

http://www.butlertire.com/images/serv_hiSpeedBalancing_1.jpg

http://www.butlertire.com/images/serv_hiSpeedBalancing_2.jpg

So, pehaps you can find somewhere that uses a similar technique?

Magicape

11-10-2006, 08:05 AM

Good advice--I know a guy in Gloucester that does this--thanks.

Magicape

11-10-2006, 09:13 AM

So I have an appointment Monday with the guy with the Hofmann finish balancer. He says a lot of customers had come to him when the had tried everything else. It's a two hour ride for me each way and I hope the return is smooth! Will report results Tuesday--

Magicape

11-10-2006, 11:11 AM

hbarrett

11-10-2006, 07:07 PM

Today, I was able to eliminate some of the vibration when it was found that one of the original wheels on the front was distorted (bent) when viewed from a reference point, turning slowly on the Hunter machine. The front end tech claims that these wide aluminum wheels supported only on the outside end of the wheel are likely to be soft and prone to bending. The wheel was moved to the rear and the rear wheel (very new) was moved forward. There is definitely a reduction in vibration, but not completely eliminated. Maybe the other front wheel needs to be removed or replaced, but not sure yet. After two years of gentle driving, having bent wheels seems very strange to me, but it appears to be the case.
Where did you get the wheels and how much? Got a part number?

hbarrett

11-10-2006, 07:15 PM

Today, I was able to eliminate some of the vibration when it was found that one of the original wheels on the front was distorted (bent) when viewed from a reference point, turning slowly on the Hunter machine. The front end tech claims that these wide aluminum wheels supported only on the outside end of the wheel are likely to be soft and prone to bending. The wheel was moved to the rear and the rear wheel (very new) was moved forward. There is definitely a reduction in vibration, but not completely eliminated. Maybe the other front wheel needs to be removed or replaced, but not sure yet. After two years of gentle driving, having bent wheels seems very strange to me, but it appears to be the case.
So I have an appointment Monday with the guy with the Hofmann finish balancer. He says a lot of customers had come to him when the had tried everything else. It's a two hour ride for me each way and I hope the return is smooth! Will report results Tuesday--

SergntMac

11-11-2006, 10:18 AM

I merged two almost identical threads together, hope we find a solution. Carry on gents...

Magicape

11-14-2006, 09:56 AM

Taking Donny's advice I had a finish balance done with a Hofmann machine and vola! It's actually only 80% solved but it's now pretty smooth 70 m/h to 90. One front ran true on the traditional balancer but there was a wobble when spun on the car, so we know the tire and wheel is ok and I am going to replace that hub assembly. I like my car again!!
I wonder if the large wheels on these cars causes the hub to be damaged easier--:banana:

Bradley G

11-14-2006, 10:17 AM

:o Ok so it's not the tires!

Magicape

11-14-2006, 12:41 PM

It may be the case that when others have changed tires and gotten a better result, it might just happen that the balance came out a bit better. I've learned that the quality of a balance can vary a lot depending on who does it. I replaced my fairly new front BFG's with top of the line Goodyear RSA (Police) tires and the vib didn't go away. This was after two sets of tires, several RF balances, new shocks, rack adjustment, and new rotors over a period of about a year and 40K miles. I think we need the precision of the on car balance because the large diameter wide tires will magnify an out of balance and the type of front suspension telegraphs everything to the steering wheel. The final balance yesterday was with 1/4 oz weights and the machine was showing that 1/8 would be best if we had them--this is pretty tight tolerance.

FlyinMerc

11-14-2006, 01:47 PM

Had the ~70 mph vibes after installing all new BFG KDWS last Spring. Brought it back the next day. They gave me their best technician, he broke the beads, rotated the tires with respect to the rims to eliminate "high spots" when the tire is installed. Road Force balanced after carefully removing all existing weights and shaving off tape residue with a razor blade. All better after that. I think the important detail was reseating the tires at a different spot on the rims. Hope this situation resolves for you. :burnout:
-Kam

Magicape

11-14-2006, 02:01 PM

Yes, mine were matched to the rims also. What it comes down to is a damn good balance and the best chance is with the Hofmann on car machine--very fine tuning and the whole wheel assembly is done as a unit so variations from the rotor or hubs is compansated for. By the way, the P/N for the front hub is unique to the MM--has a P after it--probably for Police. Also, I thought about puting on the Police aluminum high speed drive shaft and found out yesterday it's already there--

hbarrett

11-15-2006, 08:56 AM

All of this sounds very nice, and very expensive to pursue, but why should our MMs require this level of attention? I have owned Corvettes and never had this degree of aggravation with vibration. Are we chasing something that is compensating for an inherent problem? I believe so, and I would rather fix the inherent problem. The dealer has escalated my vibration problem to the regional Ford technical "guru", but after my discovery last week that the correction to part of the vibration problem appears to be from a deformed wheel, I am starting to suspect it may be the whole vibration problem. As of last week, I have put out $200 on road force balancing with three different shops. With the exception of the last one I was at last week, two of the shops don't seem to even know what they are doing, or how to properly balance with the Hunter equipment. Now I will see what Ford can come up with.
Yes, mine were matched to the rims also. What it comes down to is a damn good balance and the best chance is with the Hofmann on car machine--very fine tuning and the whole wheel assembly is done as a unit so variations from the rotor or hubs is compansated for. By the way, the P/N for the front hub is unique to the MM--has a P after it--probably for Police. Also, I thought about puting on the Police aluminum high speed drive shaft and found out yesterday it's already there--

FlyinMerc

11-15-2006, 12:21 PM

[quote=hbarrett;442542]All of this sounds very nice, and very expensive to pursue, but why should our MMs require this level of attention? I have owned Corvettes and never had this degree of aggravation with vibration. Are we chasing something that is compensating for an inherent problem? I believe so, and I would rather fix the inherent problem. quote]

I figured it was poor tire construction.
Have other owners had vibrations after installing non-KDWS tires?

Richy63

11-19-2006, 07:44 PM

Seems this car has a mind of it's own, the day the dealer came it was the first time I drove it in two month, no vibration. Well I am headed to Tampa Wensday we will see. I did notice a leak on the differential though

Marauderjack

11-20-2006, 04:58 AM

Nitto NT555's.........;)

I ran three different sets of OEM's and had that vibration with each set!!!:argue:

I have about 40K miles on my Nitto 255/45 ZR18's.....5K of which they were on the back while I was experimenting with the blower!! I had them re-balanced and moved up front when I put the 295's on the widened rear wheels and have NO VIBRATION PERIOD!!!:bows:

I do show the "Trademark" inner wear and will replace them before long but 40-45K AIN'T BAD......especially when there is no vibration!!:D

My $0.0000002.....since nobody listens to me around here!!:shake:

Marauderjack:cool:

Magicape

11-27-2006, 01:39 PM

I should note that the added weight with the Hoffmann balance was only 10 grams on one side and 15 on the other.
The LF hub is now replaced and that got rid of the last of the vibration, but not right away. I removed the 15 gram weight added with the Hoffmann balance to get the wheel to the best possible off car balance, so the wheel with the new hub has not been on car balanced and it would be irevelant with the different hub--and vibration at 60 plus again! So, knowing now how criticle the balance of the whole assembly is I rotated the wheel almost 90 degrees from where it was on the hub and got lucky--vibs gone. On car balance is the only solution. Those who had improved results after changing tires should also remember there was a re-balance and maybe the tech had a better day--it doesn't take much to throw these out of wack--

Marauderjack

11-27-2006, 03:14 PM

Read post #53 above.....The BFG's have "Harmonic Tread Problems" period!!!:argue: I had 3 different sets of fronts......ALL THE SAME!!!:mad2:

If you go around in a circle and change the relative rotation point of the two fronts the intermittant vibs may cancel each other out but I'll bet it will return in time....I tried all of this stuff and got NO RELIEF until I put the Nittos on!!!:beer:

I really wish Ford had been a little smarter with the OEM tire choice.....WHAT THEY DID WAS NUTS........no other choices!!:shake:

Good Luck!!

Marauderjack

hbarrett

11-29-2006, 09:40 AM

I have recently discovered that not only are the lousy BFG tires a potential problem for vibration, but our wheels are as well. A couple of months ago, two of my wheels had been replaced because the dealer scratched them trying to align the front end witout the necessary adapters. A couple of days ago, with help from the regional Ford technical rep, we removed all the MM wheels and replaced them with wheels and tires from a new GM, vibrations gone. Then, replacing just the rears and just the fronts we were able to isolate the problem to two bad wheels, one of the wheels that was recently replaced for scratches, the other an original and known to be bent. About one month ago, all fours tires were replaced with new BFGs, one was immediately replaced due to tread wobble, and another is suspect. This process to isolate the vibration problem and correct it has now taken a couple of months, and a big PITA. Seems that an opinion I got from an alignment technician in Delaware last month that our aluminum wheels are not well supported across their width as designed, and prone to bend easily due to impact with road imperfections, may be proving out to be true. It seems hard to pin this down, as the problem may be related not only to bad tire quality, but distorted wheels as well.
I should note that the added weight with the Hoffmann balance was only 10 grams on one side and 15 on the other.
The LF hub is now replaced and that got rid of the last of the vibration, but not right away. I removed the 15 gram weight added with the Hoffmann balance to get the wheel to the best possible off car balance, so the wheel with the new hub has not been on car balanced and it would be irevelant with the different hub--and vibration at 60 plus again! So, knowing now how criticle the balance of the whole assembly is I rotated the wheel almost 90 degrees from where it was on the hub and got lucky--vibs gone. On car balance is the only solution. Those who had improved results after changing tires should also remember there was a re-balance and maybe the tech had a better day--it doesn't take much to throw these out of wack--

Badger

11-29-2006, 10:28 AM

hbarrett: Think you might be onto something there. I drove through a rough section in DC before I noticed the vibration. Is there a machine that can find bent rims? Can our rim be bent back into shape? What other aftermarket options are there for our wheels/tire combo taking into account the 04 TCS.

Magicape

11-29-2006, 12:03 PM

hbarrett

11-29-2006, 06:00 PM

My bent rim was very easily detected by slow turning on a hunter machine and placing an object on the shelf at the edge of the wheel as a pointer, as simple as a screwdriver. As the wheel rotates, the edge of the rim, particularly at the bent spot, moves away from the pointer. I observed this myself as the tech rotated the wheel. Now as I am told, slightly bent rims on cars are generally not a problem as balancing can cancel out the effects, but with large diameter, wide wheels and wide tires, the problem is difficult to compensate for, and leads to vibrations. What is perplexing about this is that I am easy on the car, very careful to not hit potholes or bumps when I can avoid it, but still the rims are bent. The long term solution after the warranty period may be a change to a fancy, better designed rigid steel or alloy wheel.
hbarrett: Think you might be onto something there. I drove through a rough section in DC before I noticed the vibration. Is there a machine that can find bent rims? Can our rim be bent back into shape? What other aftermarket options are there for our wheels/tire combo taking into account the 04 TCS.

hbarrett

12-21-2006, 09:53 AM

As explained to me by a knowledgeable balancing technician, in many cases slightly bent wheels can be compensated for in the balancing process. However, wider wheels and the wider tires used on our MMs are more sensitive to vibration from wheel distortion than standard narrower wheels. So far, my problem is getting much better since the dealer replaced two more wheels under warranty, very little vibration exits now, and the small bit of vibration may be due to the one remaining original factory wheel still on the car.

A bent rim should show up on a balancing machine. There are companies who re-condition wheels.