C-Class (W204) 2008 - 2014: C180K, C200K, C230, C280, C300, C350, C200CDI, C220CDI, C320CDI

Car vibration

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old 10-26-2010, 02:17 PM
  #1  
Member
Thread Starter
 
dandelos's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 128
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
2008 C350
Question Car vibration

I'm not sure exactly when this started happening, but it's been going on for a few weeks, at least.

Basically once I hit 60-80mph, I start feeling that the car is 'vibrating' -- not quite an engine vibro thing, but it feels like what you would feel if there was some gunk 'stuck' to one of your tires and so the small 'bump' you get whenever your tire rolls over it. The first couple of weeks I thought it was just the road surface -- I live in Los Angeles so the roads are messed up, but then I started noticing that even on clean/clear tarmac I would feel the vibration. When I drive slower than 60mpg I can't feel any 'bumps'/'vibration'.

My wife thinks it's my tire alignment that's causing it. Any other ideas/thoughts?
Old 10-26-2010, 02:31 PM
  #2  
Out Of Control!!
 
konigstiger's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: North Scottsdale, AZ
Posts: 15,903
Received 4,435 Likes on 3,152 Posts
'71 Pinto
Cost effective place to begin is to have wheels/tires “road force” balanced http://www.gsp9700.com/
Old 10-26-2010, 03:28 PM
  #3  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Carsy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: 1 hours drive north of Sydney Australia
Posts: 3,714
Received 55 Likes on 52 Posts
2007 W204 220CDI Classic Sedan
A through visual inspection looking for tread separation ( lumps) would be wise also.

Run your hand over the tread of each tyre looking to feel any irregularities.

I would not be driving at 80 MPH before finding out what the cause is !!
Old 10-26-2010, 03:33 PM
  #4  
Member
 
BEEPbeepZIPtang's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
w204
most likely out of balance or if they are cheap aftermarkets...right around 70-80 is were you'll feel the imperfection. does the steering wheel shake?

if its alignment, it would just pull, not wobble.

if they are OEM wheels or good aftermarkets, could be as simple as tire pressure not being equal.
Old 10-27-2010, 01:18 AM
  #5  
Member
Thread Starter
 
dandelos's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 128
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
2008 C350
Originally Posted by BEEPbeepZIPtang
most likely out of balance or if they are cheap aftermarkets...right around 70-80 is were you'll feel the imperfection. does the steering wheel shake?

if its alignment, it would just pull, not wobble.

if they are OEM wheels or good aftermarkets, could be as simple as tire pressure not being equal.
Thanks guys, I'll bring it in to a tire shop for a check when I get the chance over the next couple of days.

The steering wheel does shake, but that's because the whole car is pretty much shaking. It's not really a violent shaking, but is actually rather subtle, which is why it didn't catch my attention immediately.

I inherited these tires/wheels from the previous owner. Car didn't shake when I bought it about 6 months ago but just started a few weeks ago.
Old 11-06-2010, 06:46 PM
  #6  
Member
Thread Starter
 
dandelos's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 128
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
2008 C350
Took it into a shop equipped with the gsp9700 today. Explained to the owner about the vibration at 60mph and above, and he took it around the block. Then he lifted it and immediately pointed out some bumps in my left rear tire, indicated a separated tire. Mystery solved, but now I have to get a new set of tires. Thanks all!
Old 11-07-2010, 01:20 AM
  #7  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Carsy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: 1 hours drive north of Sydney Australia
Posts: 3,714
Received 55 Likes on 52 Posts
2007 W204 220CDI Classic Sedan
Thanks for the follow up. Not many do !!

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.

Quick Reply: Car vibration



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:36 AM.