23 replies to this topic

[v13rac]

I have both front wheel s balanced, alignment has been checked fairly recently, but I still get a bit of vibration around 70 - 80mph. I don't believe there are any loose/worn steering components - any suggestions as to what could be the cause?

[Bengie]

Could be a dodgy bush somewhere in the front suspension, or a buckled wheel.

[CupidKnewRap]

would have said check for flat spots on rear wheels or maybe somthing with rear suspension but It took a while to read the three identical posts

[m@thew]

I have had a similar problem to this, had the wheels balanced 3 times and still not just right. I might try getting the rears balaneced as well

[paulf-cam]

I've got the same problem, high frequency vibration through the steering wheel at above 80... Was going to take it to plans or somewhere to get the geometry set up at the same time. When i've got some £.... Cheers, Paul.

[sparky]

mine does this too above about 80. it's not constant but the interval is consistent (i.e it vibrates every 10 or so seconds for another 5 and then fades - repeat ad nauseum). I was thinking of getting it up scared stifff for a look. didn't think there was much point in spending cash on balancing only to find out that that isn't the problem?

[benw]

Could be loose UJ's in the steering column. Do you notice any play in the steering at all? The slightest bit makes a difference.

[B3N_VX]

mine does this too above about 80. it's not constant but the interval is consistent (i.e it vibrates every 10 or so seconds for another 5 and then fades - repeat ad nauseum). I was thinking of getting it up scared stifff for a look. didn't think there was much point in spending cash on balancing only to find out that that isn't the problem?

Wow - I've got exactly the same symptoms. Was going to get a full geo but lack of time and £ at the mo.

Looks like I might be changing springs and dampers all round soon - I'll let you know if that solves it.

[pekay]

Ditto for me too! Just has scared stiff setup done too, and vauxhall have balanced the front wheels 3 times with different machines! I have noticed a very very very slight amount of play in the UJ at the bottom of the steering column though, (the one just before it goes out into the front of the car), so vauxhall are putting me one of those on when they can get one in to see if it helps. I also noticed that when stationary if the steering wheel is in the straight ahead position I can feel the 'knock' in the UJ, however if I load up the steering by turning it 180 degrees the 'knock' goes. The vibration only seems to occur at about 75-80 as well in certain circumstances, like going downhill or under acceleration - i'm still trying to work it out! Maybe we're all finding some kind of resonant frequency on the car somewhere.

[vxr36]

Amazing.... I have had the issue too. Asked Plans to look at the vibration when they put Nitrons on and after the wheels were balanced the car was much better. However, the vibration is still there a bit. I think it may be resonant because it is worse if I hold the steering wheel lightly. If I hold it rigid the vibration goes away and if I release my grip it slowly comes back. I also agree that it is not all the time - v smooth road gives no vibration at all. Other roads give varying amounts.

[pekay]

If I hold it rigid the vibration goes away and if I release my grip it slowly comes back.

I also agree that it is not all the time - v smooth road gives no vibration at all. Other roads give varying amounts.

Exactly describes my symptoms too

[johnaachen]

dont drive on cobbles?!

[iandhd]

Yep same for me too anything over 80mph gives a nasty wobble. From the factory the car was perfect not even a slight wobble at high speed. Since I had the first change of tyres done it's been a problem but I've not got round to going back to get the balancing redone. Always takes the tyre centre ages to do because they have to jack the car up by hand.

[neolus]

Rear wheel balance sorted it for me

[v13rac]

Problem was traced to uneven front tyre wear (wearing from the inside out) They are 4 mm on the outside going to 2 on the inside. Belmont kindly played around with the balancing weights (and their position on the rims) and the vibration is much better....

[daz_vx220]

It seems a commen fault then, just had mine balanced and it still does it. At 120 its scary though, doesnt feel safe with all that shaking.

[chicogb]

I noticed the other day that I got bad vibration through the steering wheel @ 80-85mph, but yesterday whilst I had the top off on the same streatch of road I had no vibration. Tried all speeds upto 3 figures. So does the soft top contribute to vibration or, has my vibration gone away?

[benw]

I suppose as the steering system is not powered at all theres a direct line between the steering wheel and the tyres. No surprise then that every tiniest variation in wheel, tyre and road surface is felt in the palms of your hands.

[Thorney]

I've driven about 50 vx's over the past three years and every single one had some kind of steering vibration at around 80mph. The only time I managed to isolate the cause with any accuracy was on my own car where I swapped wheels over then did the exact same route 10mins later and it was gone. Baco the old wheels and it was there again - pretty much confirms in my mind that all these issues are tyre wear related and not mechanical.