Alloy / Tracking Diagnostics

CountingCrows

Guys,

Problem with my Alfa GT which I can't seem to crack. Original problem started several months ago when there was very noticeable shudder in the steering. Car is under warranty so took it in and was told a couple of the alloys were buckled. Supposedly they were repaired, there was an improvement but still not 100%.

I've since had it balanced twice, last time at Dave McCanns and while its almost perfect, if I have a few people in the car (think problem alloys must be on passenger side) the shudder at low speeds still exists.

I really don't want to waste anymore money or time, I feel if I take it to a balancing centre they'll balance it again and send me on my way, alloy repair will do the same thing. I don't mind shelling out for a new wheel(s) if needs be but I want someone who can tell me exactly what the problem is.

Any ideas on anyone who'll provides a complete service?

Mr.David

Is the judder through the steering wheel only or through the seat/body?

Could you estimate the frequency of the vibration? i.e. how many judders per second approx?

Does it happen at one specific speed or at all speeds?

Is it related to braking or not?

Are there any creaks/groans from your suspension?

What brand of tyres are you running and have they worn evenly across the tread?

RobertM

If you're in Dublin, take it to Gerry in TI Autos. He's the man when it comes to Alfas

CountingCrows

Is the judder through the steering wheel only or through the seat/body?

Its through the entire car.

Could you estimate the frequency of the vibration? i.e. how many judders per second approx?

Hard to describe, I'll try and notice this on next journey.

Does it happen at one specific speed or at all speeds?

Generally low speeds and low revs

Is it related to braking or not?

Mostly noticeable while accelerating but also present to a lesser degree while braking.

Are there any creaks/groans from your suspension?

No.

What brand of tyres are you running and have they worn evenly across the tread?

Need to check brand, 3 new tyres and 1 at 60% at present.

Mr.David

Well if you have had the same wheels on previously and there was no issue and they havent since been damaged i cannot see how it is the wheels.

It could be the tyres. Balancing as far as I know corrects for imbalance radially but not laterally i.e. across the tread of the tyre. You know on new tyres they have lines running around the circumfrence? Often red or yellow? That indicates the lateral uniformity of the tyre. Could be the problem on your car especially if you have 3 of one brand and 1 of the other and them all in different states of wear.

My suggestion would be to go to a garage and see if you can get 4 different wheel & tyre assemblies swapped on for an hour. Take it for a drive and see if the problem persists. If so its probably suspension related - could be worn bushes. If the issue goes then its the tyres.

E39MSport

I had a similar problem on a previous motor or mine. Took ages to find out that there was a valve neck loose inside one of the wheels and so no amount of repeat balancing fixed it.

CountingCrows

Booked it in with Gerry in TI Autos next Monday. 4th attempt to get this problem sorted, fingers crossed!

Mr.David

It could even be something like an engine mount....

CountingCrows

Mr.David wrote: »

It could even be something like an engine mount....

Hopefully if its something non wheel/tire related Gerry will spot it. Otherwise, I'll ask him about your suggestion of swapping 4 wheels temporarily.

CountingCrows

Gerry in TI Auto's had a look. He's reckons passenger side Driveshaft is on the way out.

CountingCrows

Finally sorted, drive shaft and buckled alloy to blame.

mickdw

Good result. Pays to bring it to someone who will have a proper look.