Wheel judder and violent vibrations. Help!!!!

[Steve1312]

Hi all,

So to start the story, about a month ago bought a 2002 3.0d auto and all is well or so I thought,
As I approach the motorway when accelerating above around 50mph release the accelerator and the vibrations begin its really enough to make you worried after a short while and some investigation iv figured that turning left at these speeds will cure the issue no vibrations. Accelerate through the vibrations to around 70mph+ and vibrations are very minimal but when going straight or turning right it's really quite violent at between 50-70mph. So much vibration the whole car is shaking badly.

So after much research it seems quite common to have this issue. So I began changing parts as follows,
Drivers side control arm, wishbone and bush, bottom ball joint ( what a pain in the arse these are), drop link.
Passenger side ball joint, and both front discs and pads.

None of which have fo es the issue, ball joints made it less but still not cured. Front tyres are worn but still legal will be changing these next.

Iv read that the engine mount may cause this or steering track rod ends??

Any ideas will be appreciated as after initially purchasing to then keep throwing money at it is a bit demoralising. loosing faith!!!!

[Steve1312]

To add to this iv had the wheels balanced too

[SMOKEY]

Should always change suspension components in pairs.

[Steve1312]

Yes I assumed this would be the case however on inspection the bushes look fairly new all round and only item that made a difference was ball joint, hence changing both sides all other components are in perfect condition and no wear. I only changed the mentioned items as something is obviously not right. Would track rod ends cause a vibration in such drastic amounts as I presumed not?

[X5Sport]

Check for a buckled wheel too.  It's not an unknown cause, especially with the state of UK roads  >:(

Any sign of uneven tyre wear?

[Rob5]

I had this problem but at different speeds. Violent shudder between 60-70mph, nothing either side. It turned out to be about 3-4mm play in on of the track rods. I did replace the bushes at the same time, but if yours are nearly new maybe it could be a track rod.

[AW8]

Thrust bushes was cause on mine - mindful or comments re changing both sides. If you have done one side then I suggest same make/spec as opposite side.

[Steve1312]

Ok Iv ordered control arm and thrust arm bush for the left side tonight will get this fitted as soon as time allows.
I have already checked for a buckled wheel and balancing tyres are not great but evenly worn and in good condition no rips in sidewall etc. balance was inside and outside weights and wheels are 19" standard alloys. Also gna try swap front to back and test drive to see if vibration moves to rear as this will indicate if it's a wheel or a suspension/steering component. Il report bk once I get this done.

[X5Sport]

19" wheels are normally 'staggered' so a different size wheel and tyre, rears being wider (or should be).  Front to back swap not recommended!

[Steve1312]

Yeh they are wider on the rear was thinking just temporary swap specifically to check vibration movement see if it transfers to the rear wouldn't leave them like it.?

[AVI-8]

Hi, the above advise is good with particular to changing balljoints and bushes in pairs, thrust arm bushes will be more prone to giving vibration on braking especially moderate braking between 70-50,  your problems likely a bush,  balljoint or tyres, so it's worth to try swapping back to front, though only for troubleshooting, but make sure the ones your swapping are balanced, if it's all tight at the front with good tyres, it shouldn't shake.

[Steve1312]

So I filmed the passenger wheel whilst driving and the vibration is made much worse on hitting a bump in the road or a change in surface sometimes I can drive straight through and feel no issues and let off accelerator is enough to begin the steering wheel vibrations braking there is no change to the vibration until I bfake to below 45/50 mph. The video shows the passenger wheel definitely vibrating and therefore it seems the issue being worse when turning slightly right is actually caused by the left front wheel. Tyre swap is no change. Il be getting into the thrust bush however this looks a new wishbone and bush, and going to change the control arm and drop link the same as drivers side. Thanks for advice so far. I WILL GET IT SORTED!!!

[Steve1312]

So the x is now fixed, turns out it was the passenger side control arm. It looked absolutely fine and wasn't exactly massive amounts of play however once removed it became apparent that it was definitely failing, so replaced this and hey presto no more shaking

[kjb1]

good news


Sent from my iPhone

[andym3]

I was going to suggest you getting your 4 wheel alignment done, but you've sorted it now anyway so nice one!