Funny vibration on 85 308QV

Today while driving our baby I noticed a vibration. It started to get worse as we drove. When going straight it felt like a tire out of balance. On right hand turns it wasn't as bad...but on left hand turns it was worse. I have removed the wheels and will have them balanced tomorrow. Anything else I might take a look at?

Jeremy,

After you have the tire balance/road force verifed, you might want to check the front wheel bearings for looseness...Sometimes, it is easier to pop the brake pads out to really get a good feel on the wheel bearing condition.

I presume that you feel the vibration more thru the steering wheel than the floor of the car..Yes?

Regards,
David

Thank you David.

The vibration was in the steering wheel for sure. If I took my hands off the wheel it would bounce quite a bit. We just limped home.

I had just tightened the bearings about a month ago, but will take a look at them tonight.


I will update tonight.


JL

Check the rack bushings especially on the right side. that will give a vibration as described.

Brian

I took the wheels off tonight. While cleaning them up to take to the tire store tomorrow I noticed that the front Left tire looked really funny. For one, there was excessice inside wear. Second, The tread had a noticeable buldge just off center towards the inside. So the contact patch at that point on the tire has a knot of some sort. I will be replacing that one for sure. The other three tires look great. I will check the bearings again as well as the steering rack bushings just to make sure they are ok.

I will keep you guys posted.


JL

Here are a couple of pics. You can see the hump.

If the other tire is similar in tread depth, you may wish to just replace them both, as it looks to be over 50%.

Hi Dave,

The other front has a lot more tread than this one. "Almost new" per the tire guy. It looks like the previous owner may have replaced the other three and not the front left for reasons unknown.

I have a couple of days before the new tire comes in so I will use that time to inspect the brake lines, wheel bearings, and rack bushings. I need to adjust the clutch pedal also.

It's been a while since I had a project.

JL

Checked the wheel bearings this morning. Both wheels were nice and tight. The rack bushings still look good. It must have been the tire.


BTW...the brake lines still have no signs of a leak.

Still waiting for the tire to come in.

JL