98 E300 vibration at 70mph - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

spyder5029 · #16 02-26-2009, 01:34 PM

did you have this vibration before the tire change??? if so, did this vibration re-appear right after the tire change, or did it take some time before it returned?

Jerzeeshor · #17 02-26-2009, 02:52 PM

I experienced that exact problem in my '96 E300D after putting on a new set of Bridgestones last year. It ultimately turned-out to be a slightly bent rim.

milner351 · #18 02-26-2009, 03:07 PM

when the tire shop removes and replaces wheels make sure they clean the wheel and hub face. If there is a build up of corrosion between the two - it can prevent the wheel from seating properly against the hub face so wheel would appear to be bent - when in fact it's just not seated parallel to the hub properly. Cleaning the hub face and wheel mount face with a wire wheel or scotchbrite pad on a die grinder is not a bad idea, then put something on face to prevent corrosion.

Skid Row Joe · #19 02-27-2009, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KarTek

Is there any way to assess this stuff: bushings, ball joints, wheel bearings, tie rod ends? Will physical movement by hand result in a visible movement/wiggling of the effected part?

My car has always "danced" around a little on the highway. I've just learned to make constant corrections to counter it...

It sounds to me like something's up with your car. These are meant to be tight as a drum if you will, in how they handle and feel in your hands. If you get a loosey-goosey feel in your Benz, there is something up. These cars are meant to feel nice 'n tight......and that's how I like 'em!

GregoryV022 · #20 02-27-2009, 01:18 AM

didn't read the rest of thread but, Get your tires aligned, had that same problem and same speed, but it was resolved with a tire alignment

TMAllison · #21 02-27-2009, 12:16 PM

It seems like there are a few of us having the same issues.

Mine doesnt' occur only at a specific speed like the OP.

I for one have had the prob ever since concrete freeways were grooved where I live. This is through 3 sets (Conti's, Yoko's and Michelins) of tires, alignments, etc. Replacing inner tie rods, LCA bushings, sway bar links and bsuhings, shocks, and repacking wheel bearings and ahving 3 different alignment front end palces look it over.

I discount bent rims as have never hit anything and pot holes here don't swallow cars. Will check the wheel mating surfaces but do not believe tht to be an issue either.

Skid Row Joe · #22 02-27-2009, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F18

Just replaced both of my lower ball joints on the 98 E300 last fall and have done a bunch on my previous high mileage vehicles. There should be no play at all!
Jack up the car and place the front on Jack Stands. Get a friend, wife....someone to move the the wheel up and down with a crow bar while you inspect for movement with a flashlight up close. Then pull wheels side to side and watch for movement in the tie rod ends and lower ball joints again.
Start the car and have someone turn the steering wheel from lock to lock while you continue watching all pivot points for slop......That will usually give you some idea of whats happining and where. A lot of times its multiple items that have play that just amplify the problem.
Of course have the rear wheels securily blocked and the parking brake on first!

Good advice!

smacmoyle · #23 03-01-2009, 03:35 PM

New front wheel bearings, new front lower ball joints, same problem, very cranky. Still have small vibration in steering wheel. Will have to look elsewhere. When I am doing 70 down hill I put it in nuetral and the engine RPMs go to idle and I still have the vibration so I am not going to look at engine mounts or tranny mount yet. Thinking about looking in the rear. I spent a ton of money on new Michellin tires and 134 bucks on bearings and ball joints. At least I can say that the parts sellers on this forum do a good job. Parts were competitive and shipped fast for free.

smacmoyle · #24 03-01-2009, 03:43 PM

It always had a small vib.since I bought it at 108,000 miles. I just credited it to almost bald, no name brand tires. I have had the new tires balanced 3 times. Maybe there is something to be said for alignment. This is my first Mercedes. Maybe I am expecting it to isolate me from the road rather than insolate. I will just need to work through it.

smacmoyle · #25 03-01-2009, 03:49 PM

I am going to move some wheels around and see if I can see any changes.

spyder5029 · #26 03-02-2009, 10:26 AM

How were the old tires worn out? Have you examined them when they were taken off the car? Your old tires tell a story. If you did examine the old tires, post a description, of your observations. Since you've changed out the lower ball joints already, and the bearings which are usually not the cause of the problem (bad bearings produce a whining noise, etc), the next step is to look into your front shocks, damper (if your car has one ), and alignment. If your old tires had steps (when you pass your hand over the thread, you will feel flat surfaces, where the whole wheel resembles the appearance of a stop sign, more than a circle), then your front shocks need replacement. You would feel the shaking effect alot more on the old tires, as it would take some time for the new tires to develop those steps. The wheel alignment is very critical also, if you didn’t perform one yet after the tire swap, I would definitely get one done. Bad camber, or a toe-in could definitely cause the vibrations your describing. Usually, a damper, would lessen these type of vibration, but after some time the damper gives out, hence translating alot more of the vibration into your steering wheel. Before you spend more money, check out the wear on the new tires, and if you checked out the old tires, give us a description of both. This way we can help you diagnose the issue better.

smacmoyle · #27 03-03-2009, 12:43 PM

I dont recall any abnormal wear on the old tires. What I noticed the other day is that the wheels have those wheel discs that keep the brake dust off the rims. Any way I got to tapping on each one and found that the right front disk was loose. I pulled the wheel off and found that it was off center. I pulled all the disks off all the wheels and went for a ride and the ride was fine again. I wish I noted that earlier. Thanks for all the replies and help with this. If I gave better info this could have been solved earlier.