ML vibration at speeds above 60 mph

[jackal]

I recently purchased a 2000 ML430 with 37000 miles. When I drove it at speeds above 60 mph the car vibrates. It has stock 17" wheels. The tyres on the car when I bought it were General Grabber tyres 2 of which were in great shape and 2 worn. I had the wheels balanced by a tyre dealer with no noticeable improvement. I then took the car to my MB dealer. He balanced the good General tyres again and told me to replace the worn tyres. I did so putting on Michelein tyres. They were balanced by the tyre dealer.I put the new tyres on the front wheels with the two good Generals on the rear wheels. I still have a vibration although it might be slightly improved.

I need help.

My wife wants me to sell the car but I love it and want to fix the problem.

Any suggestions?

jackal

 

[Dieselman]

Possible a tyre gone out of round or a buckled wheel.

 

[uumode]

If you jack up your car and spin the wheel, you should be able to see the irregular rotation of a distorted tyre (the 2 older tyres) or wheels.

If not then it's a process of elimination. Change the 2 old tyres, if it still vibrates then it must be one of the alloys. To help source the one, you can move the tyres about until you get vibration through the steering wheel, then at least you know it's one of the two mounted on the front axle.

A lot of hassle, but before you do that, when you get the vibration at high speed, stick the gearbox into neutral to make sure it's nothing gearbox related.

Though I would have thought any decent wheel balancer would tell you that he/she can't balance that particular wheel correctly??

 

[GordonTarling]

Could be a propshaft bearing on the way out. You need to try and isolate the problem.

 

[andy_k]

have you checked the steering damper?

Andy