OK well got my s2000 recently used. When I test drove it seemed fine but on the way how I noticed it was vibrating at about 40 mph and then would stop after about 44 or so and then would start up again at 65 and higher. Got worse and worse the faster I went over 65. I thought it was maybe my axle had gotten pitted as that seems to be a problem with a lot of 00, 01 s2000's. I took my car to have the rear wheels balanced and they told me that my rear driver side wheel was bent. Could that cause both the vibrations I am feeling? I don't feel them too much in the steering wheel but really more in my seat and the rear of the car. The shift knob does shake a bit though. Let me know what you guys think. Also body shops will repair bent wheels? I can't seem to find the wheels I have for sale anywhere especially for just one. I have some Mille Miglia wheels if anyone knows where they can be found.

 

A bent wheel can cause vibration at different speeds; it has to do with harmonics and multiples of the same frequency.

There are many places that repair wheels, do a GIS. In most cases, they'll machine the wheel. I'll post some links later if I get a chance.

 

Yes, this can happen. If you have stock 16" rims, they are really inexpensive. If you have stock 17" rims, people seel simgle rims on ebay from time to time.

A repaired wheel is NEVER as strong.

 

The wheels are aftermarket 17" wheels. They are Milli Miglia brand model is "1000" I have had a very hard time finding a replacement. A set of 4 just sold with tires, but I don't want to pay for 4 when I have 3 good rims, so I guess I will have to look into getting the wheel repaired.

 

Got the wheel fixed today and the shaking seems to be gone from the 40 mph range but is still the same 65 and up.
there is a clicking sound when starting from a stop that sounds like it is coming from the rear suspension area. Does this definitely sound like the axle is pitted? The wheels have been balanced recently and that did not fix the problem either. Tire pressure is correct. Anything else it could be or do all signs point to axle?

 

If the rim was so beat, the tire certainly could be damaged. Next time you have it balanced get it done at a "hunter" shop, and ask for multi-axis balancing. Those units can really clear up a LOT of weird harmonics and a must for certain brand wheels. You wouldn't believe how complex some rim dynamics are.

 

Pitted axle?

I've heard of pitted CV joints on S2000.

Is the clicking one time only when starting from a stop (axle nut needs retorquing).

Or is it repetitive? Could be worn hub (not uncommon).

I agree with INTJ about other things being damaged if you hit something hard enough to dent the wheel.

 

OK well if the CV joint is pitted that requires replacing the axle correct? That is the impression I was under.
I believe the click comes on once when starting but will have listen more carefully next time I got for a spin.
I'm heading to see Billman250 shortly so want to find out what I need fixed by then.
I never hit anything, the wheel had a very small dent in it and I figured that was why it had vibrations. I had the wheels all balanced, checked the tire pressure, and then today had the wheel repaired to round. The 65+ still has the same vibrations. Feels similar to another S2000 i test drove before buying the one I have. That one from my understandings turned out to be a bad axle.

 

Billman will be able to figure out what the problem is.

And I don't think a pitted CV joint needs axle replacement.

 

Got it checked out again. I'm an assistant store manager for Sears so I brought to Sears auto center. They balanced the rear wheels again. They said the tires were not so great. Would the tires wearing unevenly cause vibrations possibly? They checked the axle and cv joints out and stated that it seemed to be fine, but I am not too confident in them checking it thoroughly
What could be damaged if the rim did hit something really hard? What could be damaged to cause vibrations? Just looking for other options I can check before just throwing money at the car to hope it fies it.