Vibration between 50-60 mph

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Anbele
Posts: 179
Joined: Fri May 21, 2021 8:36 pm
Your car is a: 1979 Spider 2000 CS2

Vibration between 50-60 mph

Post by Anbele »

So I get the front car to vibrate/shake between 50 and 60 mph. Nothing before and nothing after. Wheels have been balanced. Guibo, center bearing and u-joints replaced. Alignment? Drive shaft? Any ideas?
18Fiatsandcounting
Posts: 3780
Joined: Fri Mar 15, 2019 11:23 pm
Your car is a: 1969 and 1971 124 spiders
Location: San Francisco Bay Area

Re: Vibration between 50-60 mph

Post by 18Fiatsandcounting »

Does it vibrate when coasting, or only with your foot on the gas? If it vibrates when braking, it's a warped brake rotor(s).

If the vibration is coming from the front, it's almost certainly a wheel issue. Raise up the front wheels and spin each one by hand as fast as you can, and look for a wheel that wobbles a bit. Loose wheel bearings in the front? Could also be a steering mechanism issue like loose tie rod ends, or bad ball joints. Have the front suspension checked for issues (you can also do this at home).

Finally, some tires have issues despite being balanced. Try swapping the wheels/tires around from front to rear and see if that helps.

-Bryan
TX82FIAT
Posts: 1814
Joined: Mon May 03, 2010 11:04 am
Your car is a: 82 Fiat Spider 2000 CSO
Location: San Antonio

Re: Vibration between 50-60 mph

Post by TX82FIAT »

I think 18fiatsandcounting is on to something with the tires. Even a balanced tire can have flat spots from being parked for a period of time or hard braking. If the wheels lock up into a skid you will most likely develop a flat spot. Just sitting in a garage for several months can develop a flat spot. Under inflated tires can have this effect as well. it is very typical that a tire causes this vibration at a certain speed and not at others.
Buon giro a tutti! - enjoy the ride!

82 Fiat Spider 2000
03 BMW M3
07 Chevy Suburban
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