Heavy vibrations

[Timw286]

Steadily cruising between 45-55mph on a flat, smooth road and roughly every 90 seconds the car would vibrate like it was driving over the rumble strip on the side of the highway. I felt no loss in power or slipping, but it def felt transmission related. I saw other similiar threads, but I'm not expierencing "shuddering" or bucking, my problems may be the precursor to that and just wanted to see if anyone ever had similiar problems?:confused:

[Blackened300a]

I had something similar when I had a coil fail. Just trying to narrow it down would be the issue.

[capt512]

I have a very similar thing, it feels more like a tire out of balance to me, but again on highway and every 90 seconds or so. So like smooth....then rough, then smooth.

[Timw286]

Yeah, roughly every 90 seconds and would last for 10-15 seconds...and wouldn't do it below 45mph. Tires were mounted and balanced about 5 months ago so I hope its not that!

[Blackened300a]

Yeah, roughly every 90 seconds and would last for 10-15 seconds...and wouldn't do it below 45mph. Tires were mounted and balanced about 5 months ago so I hope its not that!

Also check your exhaust. The engine has harmonics at different RPM ranges that would cause a vibration if the exhaust is making contact to the frame or body.

[capt512]

Yep thats the same as mine, every 90 seconds, 10-15 seconds worth. Also doesn't do it below 45 for me. I'm not sure about my balance, just figured it wasn't that since it does it on a cycle instead of constant.

[Timw286]

Yeah if it was constant I would consider the balance an option, are you worried its causing more damage? Auto stuff that is hard to diagnose if the worse IMO.

[jstevens]

Mine acted similar going to dinner with the wife. Felt like there was something wrong with the driver side front tire.

After dinner, it was okay so hopefully an isolated incident.

[capt512]

I know with mine its just annoying as carp especially on a trip.

[MOTOWN]

Check the u joints for any play

[capt512]

Would worn balljoints cause this? The reason I ask is my upper balljoint boots are shot...and so may the bjs themselves be...

[MOTOWN]

Would worn balljoints cause this? The reason I ask is my upper balljoint boots are shot...and so may the bjs themselves be...

Any loose suspension component can cause vibration, or loose unresponsive steering, get that check out ASAP!

The last thing you want is a ball joint seperating:eek:

[slickster]

Let me know if you want my guy to look at it. He knows fords better then him self

[Timw286]

I appreciate that slickster, but now I'm really confused. Driving home from work last night (same speed, same road) and not one unusual sound/vibration! However, on the way to work today, it was a repeat of yesterday. The only thing different would be the temperature difference between driving TO work which is when I had the issues (about 50 degrees) and driving home without issues (about 65-70 degrees)

[Blackened300a]

I appreciate that slickster, but now I'm really confused. Driving home from work last night (same speed, same road) and not one unusual sound/vibration! However, on the way to work today, it was a repeat of yesterday. The only thing different would be the temperature difference between driving TO work which is when I had the issues (about 50 degrees) and driving home without issues (about 65-70 degrees)

Tire pressure correct? I took a breaker bar to tighten my lug nuts and that helped smooth my ride out as well. They were slightly loose in the front and that took the slight shimmy out of the wheel when I tightened them.

[capt512]

Tim - flat spotting? from being cold?

[Timw286]

Whats flat spotting? Some previously mentioned tire pressure and if that's related I would say thats the culprit although I checked two weeks ago and was g2g. Cold air contracts and warm air expands so I guess so

[fastblackmerc]

Whats flat spotting? Some previously mentioned tire pressure and if that's related I would say thats the culprit although I checked two weeks ago and was g2g. Cold air contracts and warm air expands so I guess so

If the noise / vibration goes away after the tires are warmed up then it might be "flat-spotting" of the tires.

[Blackened300a]

If the noise / vibration goes away after the tires are warmed up then it might be "flat-spotting" of the tires.

I noticed that when my car sits for a while. I hit the road and they vibrate for a few miles then smooth out.

[Timw286]

Ok is "flat spotting" an indication of a bad tire? All four are less then 6 months old, but would make sense because its the first time they have seen <50 degrees and I've driven a lot older tires in A LOT colder. I appreciate the input

[Blackened300a]

Ok is "flat spotting" an indication of a bad tire? All four are less then 6 months old, but would make sense because its the first time they have seen <50 degrees and I've driven a lot older tires in A LOT colder. I appreciate the input

Not so much a bad tire, but over time the belts will weaken. Maybe the tires you bought were on the shelf for 5 years before you purchased.

[Timw286]

Ok I get it, its just the section of the tire that actually makes contact with the pavement when the car is sitting and flattens out, therefore making a "flat spot" on the tire causing an uneven ride/vibration. Haha sorry for the wasted time :run:

[Timw286]

I appreciate it Blackened300a

[71cyclone]

Special note . Magnaflow has a few defective batches of mufflers released within the last 2 months ,the long size ones that fit MARAUDERs . There was a baffle issue that rattles at times .the rattle can be confusing

[TJCOX]

could be wheel bearing.

[tbone]

If it is intermittent, I doubt it's a tire/suspension problem. The TPS might be acting up.

[TJCOX]

Check the right front wheel bearings as they are prone to failures according to a Ford
Tech. 109.99 for the Hub with bearings.

[capt512]

How do you check them?

[Da Dark Jedi]

Tire pressure correct? I took a breaker bar to tighten my lug nuts and that helped smooth my ride out as well. They were slightly loose in the front and that took the slight shimmy out of the wheel when I tightened them.


You didn't use a Torque Wrench to properly tighten. :confused: