Odd vibration @ certain speed
07-20-2010, 07:06 PM
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1994 C124 E320 Coupe - 1975 W116 280S
Odd vibration @ certain speed
Hey guys. this issue has been driving me nuts for the last 50k miles or so.
Every now and then when I go on long road trips, I'll stretch the legs of the E every now and then. I'm sure everyone does this so save the traffic safety lecture for later.
It's only between the speeds of 75 and 90MPH that I experience this but here's what happens.
Sometimes I get a crazy shudder in the entire car between that speed. And it doesn't always happen. I mean, the entire car shakes as if the tires are not balanced at all. I can't decipher whether if it's coming from the front or rear but instinct tells me front. At any other speed, the car is perfect and smooth...even at *cough*110+ MPH*cough*. The car also handles just fine at any speed. It's just the vibration/shuddering that drives me off the top. (no pun intended)
I've figured out that it happens mostly when I'm traveling around any bend whatsoever on the highway at those speeds. And when the shuddering comes, it can disappear just as quickly as it appeared when going around another bend. Sometimes I'll be driving and I won't get the vibration at all for some period of time. I thought that the roads could be bad where ever I'm going but the Turnpike isn't that bad and is actually pretty smooth.
What I've done suspension wise:
-Replaced Steering damper
-replaced the sway bar bushings up front
-Tires are recently balanced, but kinda low on tread and due for replacement.
What I have not ruled out as potential causes:
-Front lower control arm bushings
-4-wheel alignment due
-new shocks are due soon
-rear subframe and diff mounts are worn and needing replacement.
-Worst case scenario, worn wheel bearings?
My car has 148k miles on it.what do you guys think it can be?
Every now and then when I go on long road trips, I'll stretch the legs of the E every now and then. I'm sure everyone does this so save the traffic safety lecture for later.
It's only between the speeds of 75 and 90MPH that I experience this but here's what happens.
Sometimes I get a crazy shudder in the entire car between that speed. And it doesn't always happen. I mean, the entire car shakes as if the tires are not balanced at all. I can't decipher whether if it's coming from the front or rear but instinct tells me front. At any other speed, the car is perfect and smooth...even at *cough*110+ MPH*cough*. The car also handles just fine at any speed. It's just the vibration/shuddering that drives me off the top. (no pun intended)
I've figured out that it happens mostly when I'm traveling around any bend whatsoever on the highway at those speeds. And when the shuddering comes, it can disappear just as quickly as it appeared when going around another bend. Sometimes I'll be driving and I won't get the vibration at all for some period of time. I thought that the roads could be bad where ever I'm going but the Turnpike isn't that bad and is actually pretty smooth.
What I've done suspension wise:
-Replaced Steering damper
-replaced the sway bar bushings up front
-Tires are recently balanced, but kinda low on tread and due for replacement.
What I have not ruled out as potential causes:
-Front lower control arm bushings
-4-wheel alignment due
-new shocks are due soon
-rear subframe and diff mounts are worn and needing replacement.
-Worst case scenario, worn wheel bearings?
My car has 148k miles on it.what do you guys think it can be?
07-20-2010, 09:24 PM
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1995 E320 sedan
my car's flex discs were causing a shudder at certain low speeds 30-40mph and when I put it in reverse, however if it has done it for 50k miles I doubt it is this. I would have someone get underneath it and look at the engine mounts, transmission mounts, discs, drive train etc...unless you can get underneath and check these things visually yourself.
