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Harsh front end vibration

Posted: Fri May 28, 2010 10:30 am
by Rick84
When I drive over 50 mph, the front end of my car starts shaking. The front tyres are getting close to the limit so I've swpapped them onto the back but it hasn't made any difference. There is nothing rubbing in the arches and everthing looks ok with the suspension. I don't think it's the engine as the noise is constant whether I'm coasting or at high revs. Does anyone have any suggestions? Warped discs maybe? engine mounts? I'm suppposed to be setting off to Cornwall tonight but can't drive it that far as it is. Thanks

PS. I slid the car into a car kerb in December and replaced the wishbone and ARB bracket, but it's been driving fine since then. Has this come back to haunt me?

Re: Harsh front end vibration

Posted: Fri May 28, 2010 10:42 am
by ianaudia4
Have your wheels been balanced?

Re: Harsh front end vibration

Posted: Fri May 28, 2010 10:45 am
by Rick84
Not been balanced for 20,000 miles.

Re: Harsh front end vibration

Posted: Fri May 28, 2010 10:56 am
by ianaudia4
Process of illimination, I would try these first mate.

Re: Harsh front end vibration

Posted: Fri May 28, 2010 2:03 pm
by Nate
jack the front end up. rotate the wheels by hand and feel for any rough or stiff spots. then check for any play in the wheel bearing.

Re: Harsh front end vibration

Posted: Fri May 28, 2010 6:27 pm
by stu.gtx
Sounds like wheels being out of balance - as Ian says. If you swapped fronts for backs, many places don't bother balancing the backs so that would explain the same issue after swapping the wheels. Wheel balance should only cost a few quid at a local garage.

Re: Harsh front end vibration

Posted: Fri May 28, 2010 10:02 pm
by Rick84
Thanks for all suggestions so far. I've changed all 4 wheels for a set off my brothers car whish I know to be balanced. Jacked up both front wheels and they rotate freely with no grinding / stiff spots also no marks rubbing patches on tyres or brake hoses suspension legs etc. Top mounts are tight and the vibration is still there. Also if I turn the engine off at 70MPH it makes no differnce so I think I can rule out engine mounts. Didn't use my brakes much and my front wheels were both hot when I stopped. If I turn right the vibrations completey disappear and if I turn left they get worse. Annoying as I has MOT last week and had no advisorys at all. Could it be bearings?

Re: Harsh front end vibration

Posted: Fri May 28, 2010 10:21 pm
by richlyons
have you looked at the cv joints?
i know the mot man should check the cv boots on a mot.

Re: Harsh front end vibration

Posted: Sat May 29, 2010 1:32 pm
by Nate
it's either going to be wheel bearing or outer cv joint. did you check for play in the bearings?

Re: Harsh front end vibration

Posted: Sun May 30, 2010 10:29 pm
by stu.gtx
Also may be worth checking wishbone bushes.