strange vibrations and i'm at a loss
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: SCS, Michigan
Originally Posted by The Unabageler,Jan 27 2003, 11:46 AM
I've been noticing some strange vibrations that peak in strength at 77mph. I have swapped wheels (different rotational diameter) and the problem occurs at the same speed. I found cracks on my a-arm brackets, and after having them welded the vibes are still there.
The nature of the vibrations is like two instruments playing slightly out of tune on the same note...the vibrations fade in and out as I maintain speed. Doesn't matter if I turn or stay straight, accelerate or deccelerate, the vibes only occur around 77mph. The gear I am in does not make a difference either. I tried shaking the wheels (check bearings) and nothing feels loose when I do that. I am going to get an alignment done today. No play in my driveshaft CV joints and diff functions properly. I hear no rattles or ticking that could indicate the source of the problem. Anyone have any ideas? Everyone else I've asked is at a loss as well.
The nature of the vibrations is like two instruments playing slightly out of tune on the same note...the vibrations fade in and out as I maintain speed. Doesn't matter if I turn or stay straight, accelerate or deccelerate, the vibes only occur around 77mph. The gear I am in does not make a difference either. I tried shaking the wheels (check bearings) and nothing feels loose when I do that. I am going to get an alignment done today. No play in my driveshaft CV joints and diff functions properly. I hear no rattles or ticking that could indicate the source of the problem. Anyone have any ideas? Everyone else I've asked is at a loss as well.
-George
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9
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From: SCS, Michigan
I have checked everything mentioned, the cv, driveshaft, rear diff. All seem to be fine. This was not a resault of me spinning out or anything like that.
Just before I pulled the car out of winter storage(last season), I had new RE050a's put on all 4, and I changed the brake pads and brake lines.
I have had the tires balanced twice as I thought this was the problem initially. I have also had a four wheel alignment done. Still this problem exists.
Just before I pulled the car out of winter storage(last season), I had new RE050a's put on all 4, and I changed the brake pads and brake lines.
I have had the tires balanced twice as I thought this was the problem initially. I have also had a four wheel alignment done. Still this problem exists.
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Joined: Jan 2008
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I got that too. My buddy works at Sears automotive, and he explained it to me. I took my car there, and he checked the wheels.
I had the vibes come in pretty steady, though, at 74mph.
When they balance your tires, look at the machine numbers: .75, .50, .25, right? Well, that's no good. They push the 'resolution' button down to where it rounds off the readings to .25s of an ounce, which is quarters of ounce. anything under .25 will show as 0.00.
2 of my wheels were like .20 and .18, one .08, and I think .24.
That's what you're feeling. Our cars are sensitive, stiff, rigid, whatnot, and that's why we feel what most other cars won't.
Have the tech increase 'resolution' to read to hundreds instead of quarters. It takes longer to balance the wheels that way, but you can get really close to 0.00. Just slip him a $20.
I had the vibes come in pretty steady, though, at 74mph.
When they balance your tires, look at the machine numbers: .75, .50, .25, right? Well, that's no good. They push the 'resolution' button down to where it rounds off the readings to .25s of an ounce, which is quarters of ounce. anything under .25 will show as 0.00.
2 of my wheels were like .20 and .18, one .08, and I think .24.
That's what you're feeling. Our cars are sensitive, stiff, rigid, whatnot, and that's why we feel what most other cars won't.
Have the tech increase 'resolution' to read to hundreds instead of quarters. It takes longer to balance the wheels that way, but you can get really close to 0.00. Just slip him a $20.