Vibration after a few miles

[Gego]

Hi, my W210 E280 60k on the clock, is starting to drive me mad as I can't find the cause of the vibration.

Here's the symptoms.

When driving for say 10 miles, no issue, then you start to feel vibration through the steering and body, like a wheel needs balanced, worse between 50 and 60 mph, above that it disappears! Even had passenger say he could feel it through the floor!!!

I've tried getting wheels rebalanced, no change and I've tried 3 different sets of wheels tyres and still the same, so It ain't bent wheel or tyre, Its got 18" wheels on and have tried it with 16" still the same.

Had a good look at suspension etc can't find anything obvious worn, even had it into ind merc service place and he can't find anything, had 4 wheel alignment done no problems found.
Could it be a worn rubber bush showing up after a few miles or driveshaft issue?

Cheers

 

[Stratman]

Could it be a shock absorber on the way out, the damping fluid thinning as it warms up?

 

[John Jones Jr]

A wild guess, wheel bearing?

 

[C36fan]

Hi had the same problem in mine and after changing engine mounts,wheel bearings and tires i decided to swap wheels with my other car and was perfect ,so I sent the wheel for refurb and repaired where was corroded inside , and it stopped my vibration .

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[BIG_G_1979]

Sounds very much like a bent driveshaft!

 

[dozypillock]

"When driving for say 10 miles, no issue, then you start to feel vibration through the steering and body, like a wheel needs balanced, worse between 50 and 60 mph, above that it disappears! Even had passenger say he could feel it through the floor!!!"

Do you get up to 50 or 60 mph before this happens?...ie could it be heat related?

Neil

 

[frostbite]

"When driving for say 10 miles, no issue, then you start to feel vibration through the steering and body, like a wheel needs balanced, worse between 50 and 60 mph, above that it disappears! Even had passenger say he could feel it through the floor!!!"

Do you get up to 50 or 60 mph before this happens?...ie could it be heat related?

Neil

Only recently acquired my car (C43) and have experienced this twice, just for short periods. First time it happened I thought I had a puncture, it was so sudden. Few miles further on it stopped.
I know my front shocks need replacing, so will see what happens then. Possibly just the right bump in the road or something sets up the vibration at some sort of resonant frequency, then another bump or change in speed, steering pressure etc stops it again, with the duff shocks (dampers) not managing to keep it all under control.

 

[Gego]

I originally thought it was wheel balance, but it's done it with 3 different sets of wheels, present wheels are just out the box, brand new, rear avon zz3's are brand new 265/35 x 18 and they got balance checked at different garage next day and they were fine.

Front's are 235/40 x18 goodyear eagles and they haven't been on for more than 1k miles, they also got rechecked next day fine, 4 wheel alignment check done nothing found there either!

when this first showed up I changed the 4 shocks to new bilsteins as I thought that was the issue, ride better but vibration still there.

Never thought about engine mounts or prop/drive shafts, they will be getting checked next.

What about the bushes on the front wishbones, anyone had issue with them? Cant find any play with them, but that's only me checking things jacked up on the drive!!!

Car doesn't have bad pull to either left or right, only the pull to left on roads with good camber. Have driven it down middle of empty roads and it is straight as a die.

Any advice most welcome

 

[John Jones Jr]

Here's the symptoms.

When driving for say 10 miles, no issue, then you start to feel vibration through the steering and body

That's the key, all the hallmarks of a heat related issue I'd suggest. Thus, I'd initially rule out a driveshaft & propshaft.

 

[C36fan]

I originally thought it was wheel balance, but it's done it with 3 different sets of wheels, present wheels are just out the box, brand new, rear avon zz3's are brand new 265/35 x 18 and they got balance checked at different garage next day and they were fine. Front's are 235/40 x18 goodyear eagles and they haven't been on for more than 1k miles, they also got rechecked next day fine, 4 wheel alignment check done nothing found there either! when this first showed up I changed the 4 shocks to new bilsteins as I thought that was the issue, ride better but vibration still there. Never thought about engine mounts or prop/drive shafts, they will be getting checked next. What about the bushes on the front wishbones, anyone had issue with them? Cant find any play with them, but that's only me checking things jacked up on the drive!!! Car doesn't have bad pull to either left or right, only the pull to left on roads with good camber. Have driven it down middle of empty roads and it is straight as a die. Any advice most welcome

quick test for the engine mounts put it in reverse with the handbrake applied and slowly try to drive it off and see if you can fell that vibration.

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[Dave Barlow]

Shock absorber.

 

[m2mb]

I have a vibration that is barely there during the summer i.e. on warm days and most noticeable on cold days. Mostly felt on smooth roads!! Suspension checks revealed nada hence shocks are suspects. On warmer days oil expands eliminating vibs...opposite of what you have.