Shaking at 65 MPH

[tivoliman]

The car shakes at 65 but not at 55 or 75 mph.

Front left tire has some uneven wear, outer side of tire a little worn.

I guess if it always shook, it would be wheel balancing issue.

What spooks me is that the shaking is not consistent through the speeds.

As I've heard the Mercedes design for suspension requires the alignment of "three things", I guess having the alignment done at the dealer is best.
:p

I fully expect the SOURCE of the vibration to be wheel balance. Ensure that the wheels are dynamically balanced with weights on the Inboard AND Outboard lips of the wheel. Many shops only put weights inboard for cosmetic reasons which almost always cause vibration on a nimble suspension like a Benz.

The reason the vibration is only at a single speed is probably suspension related, either shocks or worn front end components.

Good luck,

[tivoliman]

Here's a loaded question.

How "Sensitive" is the Mercedes suspension to be repaired by a tire shop? The shop I buy my tires from does a lot of suspention work - but I don't see Mercedes in the lot.

So yes, I think the shocks need replaced. That's easy - 140K on the original shocks.

My concern is that when you take a car to a shop for inspection, they will have someting to fix. So if I say, does the suspention need repaired, they will say yes.

Your thoughts and suggestions are appreciated.

[sbourg]

For suspension work, I would avoid a tire shop in principal, though you probably find a good one occasionally. An indie Mercedes repair shop is likely your best value, or learn and do it yourself. Dealers are expensive, but at least they know the vehicle, and have good resources.

Steve

[neileg]

As a tyre ages, many things can happen to make it go out of balance. These might include:
1) Going out of round - quite common
2) Developing a bulge
3) Tread separation
4) Balance weight falling off!
5) Tyre damage
6) Wheel damage
etc, etc

So, before you worry about getting your suspension set up and/ or overhauled, I would get that worn tyre replaced and the new one properly balanced. The price of a new tyre doesn't pay for much suspension work!

[tivoliman]

Let's see what things are like after a new set of tires.

One isue remains - the slight balding (un even wear) on the left front tire.

Back to the prayer of that a good alignment is in my future.

I don't know which car you are talking about in your sig but I had a similar problem with my 533i it would shake at 60-65 at times but it handled great at high speeds. It truned out being worn out tie rods and the center tie rod. Which I discovered after I had my tires balanced
Which Car are you having this problem with?

[tivoliman]

The 1993 190E 2.6 is the Shaker

Made an appointment at Precision Motors in West Atlantic City, NJ for first week in March.

They do good work, and provide a loaner - 2001 E Class. Nice treat.