Bowyer

Hi all. My 2002 e430 is having issues with vibrations. 130k miles.

I just had a dealer alignment and tires balanced, but rear tires are needing replacement soon. I have considered a bent rim, and may switch the front wheels to the rear to see if anything changes with this. 4 new tires isn't something I want to replace at the moment, but I need to find this vibration. Also, there is no/very little vibration under 60mph.

It seems like when I am cruising at 70 mph, there is a vibration, not necessarily in the steering wheel. but the whole front end or even the whole car. It is most noticeable when I accelerate above 70mph.

I will say there is a definite shudder when I brake hard, so I assume one or more rotors are warped. Would warped rotors cause a vibration while driving? Also, the vibration is still present if I shift into neutral, but I would swear it is drive-line vibration.

I'm just looking for a starting place and likely suspects. Ideas.....flex discs, carrier bearing, engine mounts...but 6 months ago my indy said they all looked good. Also, my transmission mount was recently replaced.

Where would you start?

Thanks

(x-posted on another forum)

RichardM98

Both the front and rear suspensions have rubber bushings at various points. These wear normally and are designed to be replaced periodically.

SerbNerd

Vibration under braking is usually your lower ball joints going bad. Lift up the car and check out the boots on them. I recommend Lemforder replacements or anything "Heavy Duty"

Other idea would be you Lower Control Arm Bushings...these are usually the cause of shimmy on highway and braking. Mine went bad and make a loud clunking noise now.

Vibration while in neutral will probably be the engine mounts. I looked at mine and saw that they blow all their hydraulic fluid all over the place. Once I replaced them, I kept thinking the motor stalled at every light :p

You can definitely do all these things yourself in a weekend and there are nice guides here and benzworld!

Bowyer

Thanks, I'll have these items looked at and let you know how it goes. Should be a week or two before I can make it to the shop. I'm not that handy!

illest

Loose lugnuts can cause some weird vibrations too. I learned the hard way.

J spaulding

All of the above sound like possible items to check. If you can, get a neighbor or friend to get the front end up off the ground in order to rotate the front wheels. Check across the tires treads as they spin to make sure that you don't have a bulge in either tire. Bulges cannot be balanced out successfully. Also, listen for any noises as the wheels rotate. It's not impossible that a wheel weight has thrown itself off the wheel. I'm saying that there is a 70 per cent chance that there is still a balance problem with one of the front wheels and then 30 per cent chance of faulty front end parts of which the ball joints are highly likely the culprit. 210's have the easiest lower ball joints to change so they are relatively not expensive.

003stars

I just had a dealer alignment and tires balanced, but rear tires are needing replacement soon.

Hi, I think you better replace the rear tires first and drive then you can rotates tire later etc. good luck. 003stars