Hi all

I have a 2004 8 that I've had from new, got 52k on the clock and apart from the starting issues and rotted oil cooling pipes it's been fine. Until this week that is I've got a vibration coming from the front drivers side wheel that starts around 50mph and really kicks in over 60mph.

I've had the wheels balanced, the wheel alignment checked both fine. I've had the wheel off and the hub and bearings sound fine too. Anybody experienced this or have a clue to what it could be? Worn shock?

Cheers Sjj

 

Since you have the wheels balanced and the wheels aligned, I would check the tires now.

 

I've noticed the same problem within the last two weeks. I can't figure it out.

 

I'm convinced its a balancing issue. I need new rear tires anyways.

 

The speed where a wheel vibration is most prevalent due to imbalance is 55-60mph. First thing you need to do is check the balance. Even if you had the wheels balanced before mounting remember that they use a grease that takes a couple weeks to harden so a wheel can sleep the tire.

 

My wheels have about 20% tread left on the rears. The fronts have like 80%. I had them rebalanced a couple weeks ago and the problem went away. Now it resurfaced. I just need to get 2 new rear tires. I have only been driving the car like once a week if that. So I havn't been in a big rush to run out and get tires. Plus I'm getting married in Oct. so my fiancee has really pulled back on the reins when it comes to purchasing something for the 8. Sucks I would probably drive it more if I wasn't having an issue.

 

whipped huh... your poor 8 is gonna suffer.

 

I wouldn't say whipped. And I would never allow my 8 to suffer. Our wedding is costing like $28,000 and is less than 2 months away. Its the final count down. I have always taken the best care of my 8. I have detailed service records. Nothing is going to change once I get married. However at present I cannot justify spending over $400 for tires. I have spent over $3000 this Summer on new engine mounts, GReddy SE exhaust, aftermarket front bumper, tinting taillights, and Lebren is currently working on a custom reverse light for me. The well has simply run dry. Thus the car sits so I do not damage something else. I just don't want to cause any damage to the suspension or other related systems. This car is babied and is kept under a cover when not being driven.

 

go to another garage for the wheel balance, i had the same in the past and turns out my mechanic was a pinhead.

 

^ I wasn't even going to bother rebalancing with the tires I have on the car. Its really just a waste of money. I really just need to get a new set and then rebalance. Thanks for the input though.

 

I still say whipped :P I keep all my cars under a cover though, and magically my headlights havent faded:P. I commend you for being a part of the car cover group. Do you cover it when you park it at a valet after you tell them they dont get to actually move the car:P I do because I love watching people try to figure out whats under the cover.

 

^ All your cars under one cover. Thats more magical than the fact that your headlights havn't faded. And to answer your question about valet, I just allow them to park my car. I'm not gay so I don't drag my car cover around with me so I can throw it on in Wal-Mart's parking lot.

 

lmao, who does that?! hahahaha

OP, def sounds like a wheel out of alignment, have you visually inspected your new tires for a defect such as a bump or bulge in the sidewall?

 

Have the fronts rebalanced. Probably a bad balance with the weights and TPS. The weights need to be opposite TPS sensors.

 

http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/auto...parking-valet/

yeah? read this one...

 

I park my car outside with no cover. I keep it clean and waxed. Magically my headlights haven't faded.

Back to the OP's question.

As other have stated take it to another shop and have them balance the wheel in question. If it is fine, have them balance all 4. Even if it was done recently, wheel weights fall off. Sometimes the shop doesn't use enough glue, sometime they use cheap weights that don't stick, and sometimes they just suck at their job. I've had a wheel weight come off at a DIY carwash. It happens.

 

Could be belt separation in one tire. Could be a bad balance. I had my dealer balance the oem wheels once, and then had to take it back it was so bad. He later said "ooopps!" - we discovered our balance machine was 'unbalanced' and had been doing sucky balancing for some time. Some people just don't notice I guess...