Shudder at 100 kph

MayoForSam

My wife's Octavia has developed a shudder that only seems to be occurring at around 100kph, below this speed it's fine and it also disappears when speed in increased up to 120. Getting annoying at this stage and she wants to get it sorted.

What would be causing this? I suppose wheels misaligned would be the main suspect but might it be something else? The vibration is not coming through the steering column but seems to be underneath the car. She only had it serviced last week and the guy who did it didn't spot anything but I doubt if he had a good look at the suspension/wheel alignment.

rebel.ranter

The most likely cause is a wheel or two out of balance, but it could also be:

1. Mud build up inside the tyres
2. Warped brake discs
3. Worn suspension components (ball joint or rubber bushing)

First step is clean the inside of the wheels but before you do see if a balancing weight has fallen off. Then take it to get the front wheels balanced. I had an issue with a shudder from the rear of the car when a rear wheel went out of balance due to a little lead weight falling off.

To rule out the brake discs see if the shudder gets worse or stops when you brake lightly at 100kmph.

If none of that works out then it's a suspension component, then take it to a mechanic to sort out. You will need to get the wheels realigned (tracked) after any suspension component is replaced.
Good luck.

Fishtits

Get your wheels balanced, all four. Classic symptoms.

Barr

I'd start with the tracking - it should sort the problem . It costs about €20 to do the front wheels.

Lex Luthor

wheel balancing first....tracking next

h3000

Lex Luthor wrote: »

wheel balancing first....tracking next

+1

Redsoxfan

Buckled alloy/rim could also be the cause.

MayoForSam

Thanks folks.

budhabob

Also could be that the tires are not the correct size. Happened me when i bought my car, the tires where too small, one i replaced the tires twas smooth running. Probably an unlikely problem, but you never know.

Actually never mind, You've had the car and its only developing now, so it would be one of the previously mentioned problems (must really read things properly before posting).

Moanin

Your track rods (Inner or outter) Could be worn. Is there any play in the steering wheel?

quarryman

Yep, get the wheels balanced. Had the exact same problem and this cured it.

No joy after that then get it tracked.

the merchant

Tracking has nothing to do with vibration. If the car's driving straight and tyre wear is even the tracking's ok.

Vibration at speed is balancing, vibration under braking is warped discs or low tyre pressures.