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[swiss]

Hi all. Apologies if I'm re-hashing old info. Lately my '97 2.5TD seems to have developed a wobble at speed. Starts around 70mph or so, past 80 it becomes much more noticeable.

I suspect the steering gear as it's definitely coming up mainly though the wheel. It also manifests as a gentle rumbling through the floor and my seat.

I'm not unfamiliar with the guts of a car but I've never had anything to do with steering gear before. Therefore I'd like to ask which bits I should be looking for/at if I dive under the bonnet

Many thanks

Tom

[Broomies Mate]

In this instance, I'd discount the usual wheel balance issue, as that tends to start at 50mph and finish at 70mph.

I may stand erected though! 

[feeutfo]

Random wobble, wishbones
Wobble at a certain speed range, wheel balance, try 5 stub balancer
Wobble on the brakes, disc issue

IMO.

[swiss]

5 stub balancer? Que?

It's not a random wobble and the brakes are fine (for a 2-tonne car it stops on a 10p piece) though they do squeal like a bitch (I cheaped out and bought pads without shims ).

By wheel balance, does that  equate to alignment?

[Kneepad]

5 stub balancer? Que?

It's not a random wobble and the brakes are fine (for a 2-tonne car it stops on a 10p piece) though they do squeal like a bitch (I cheaped out and bought pads without shims ).

By wheel balance, does that  equate to alignment?

Wheels are checked for balance individually on a machine specifically for that purpose. Small lead weights are attached at points around the rim to correct imperfections in the rim itself or the tyre.

[swiss]

Oh yeah, of course. Sorry, must have been having a senior moment there.

As I've said the wheels do take a lot of abuse while off-roading around this 'city'. I'll add balancing to the list of things to do

Many thanks

[feeutfo]

5 stud balancer uses 5 studs that locate in the wheel bolt holes, this is more accurate than the usual cone balancer that fits in the centre hole which has nothing to do with the wheels positioning on the hub. So is therefor more accurate. Many an omega wheel has been balanced time and time again to no avail, only to be finally sorted on a 5 stud.

 I am presuming the wheels have been balanced when fitting tyres, and that it was successful or there would have been a vibration from that point?

Or something has gone a miss since balancing, tyre or rim damage maybe?

Either way, the problem should be spotted by re balancing.

Hth

[Evo]

You could simply try switching the front & rear wheels to see if the problem is resolved.  Wheel rotation may be a good thing anyway.

[swiss]

That is a pearl of wisdom right there. Cheers, I'll give that a whirl.