Vibration at 75-80mph

[bdander]

Good morning all. I have recently done the 2" TT with the WAR 153. I do a lot of interstate driving as I have to commute to work each day. I also take occasional trips. I have had a vibration that starts around 75-80mph and I have not found a cause for it yet. I have replaced all my ball joints in the past 2 weekends and got an alignment. The front drivers tire is worn on the inside and this would be my leading suspect for the vibrations. I have also read that people have issues with the drive shafts, but I am not sure how to check it or what else could cause this. The thing that gets me is that there does not seem to be one specific cause for the vibrations in the other posts.


I know it is an SUV and it shouldn't go 80+mph but my previous 2 explorers would go 95 no problem. I have a 97 EB AWD, so if anybody has a suggestion I would greatly appreciate it.

-BA

 

[Jstcruz]

If you have meaty tires on there they may need balanced. Highway driving will wear on your tread and throw off balance. Also, rotate your tires. Since your alignment should be good, put the tire with the worn inside on the back so the tread can kind of even out for a while.

 

[colintrax]

How bad is the vibration? Some mud on the drive shaft and rims can cause a vibration when spinning that fast

 

[bdander]

It's very distinct to say the least. The tires on there currently are Michelin's on the rear and Wranglers on the front (I had to get a new set of front tires as the old ones were worn out). Also being a college kid, I could not afford 4 new tires and had to settle with what I had.
As for the mud part, I have not been off road much at all. Maybe once in the past month. But the vibration was present before then.

 

[jremington59]

First of all, it's a big mistake to run two kinds of tires on an AWD. I'm surprised the alignment shop didn't tell you this. As little as 3/32's of an inch diffrence can wreak havoc. If you're not hearing and feeling a growl then your TC could have problems. Although the vibration could be the viscous coupler from the diff tires.

Your problem is most likely the worn tire in the front. I had what I thought were good tires and putting on new made a world of diffrence.

 

[bdander]

First of all, it's a big mistake to run two kinds of tires on an AWD. I'm surprised the alignment shop didn't tell you this. As little as 3/32's of an inch diffrence can wreak havoc. If you're not hearing and feeling a growl then your TC could have problems. Although the vibration could be the viscous coupler from the diff tires.

Your problem is most likely the worn tire in the front. I had what I thought were good tires and putting on new made a world of diffrence.

I am looking into new tires as we speak, just texted my buddy at Michelin actually. I thought that AWD was supposed to transfer power to different wheels as the machine felt fit. I also thought that AWD was supposed to prevent skipping and what not that 4WD has when on the road. Just curious about how it all works out I suppose.

 

[deweyville65]

Just to let you know, putting the worn tire on the rear to "even out" probably wont happen. That used to work with bias tires, but not with radials. Once a radial tire gets a wear pattern, it stays with it for the life of the tire. You might swap the tire on the rim so it wears on the other side, then air it so it wears in the center of the tread, but by that time the tire will be junk anyway.

 

[bdander]

Just put the spare on, it is practically brand new (has parts of the sticker left on it). The old tire is no longer round but conical. Needless to say I removed it and will use my spare till my Michelin's come in. Also I did do a small test run and got up to 87 with out any vibration whatsoever. That being said, I appreciate everyone's help and will replace them asap. I am hoping to get Michelin's for a good deal, but does anybody have any other recommendations? I will be starting school back so mainly city with some highway and some off roading.

-BA