Strange wheel wobble, can I drive it?

Post by **pouch** » 14 Oct 2007, 07:27

Hi, Just driven the van up to Birmingham NEC for a trade show and had a lot of wheel wobble on the way up, checked wheel nuts all seemed ok.
When I drove to the Hotel later I am getting a very distinct pull to the left.
It feels like someone is tugging the wheel to the left every half revolution of the wheels

I was thinking I must have a front disc not realeasing properly on the front left wheel? Could that then have warped the disc which is what I can feel?

Any other ideas?
Also can I drive home to Oxford like this?

I am in the NEC until Monday evening

Any help appreciated

Post by **DiscoDave** » 14 Oct 2007, 08:28

sounds liike it could be as simple as an unbalanced wheel! if you get time take it to a garage and ask them what they think! it might just neeed rebalancing!

does it wobble at speed or all the time??

Post by **pouch** » 14 Oct 2007, 08:42

I'm sure it's not the balancing (although the balancing is probably not perfect), I still feel the tag on the wheel at a crawling speed of say 1 or 2 mph!

You can actually feel it shake the cab from side to side, I could easily spill a cup of tea

Post by **andysimpson** » 14 Oct 2007, 10:28

pouch wrote:I'm sure it's not the balancing (although the balancing is probably not perfect), I still feel the tag on the wheel at a crawling speed of say 1 or 2 mph!

You can actually feel it shake the cab from side to side, I could easily spill a cup of tea

Tyre breaking up? Don't drive it until you have checked them..

Post by **big red bus** » 14 Oct 2007, 10:44

sounds like one tyre has gone out of shape. fit the spare on to the front and try it then. if still wobble then swap to other side. this willl eliminate the front trye if does not cure the problem.

Post by **phredd** » 14 Oct 2007, 10:47

Mmmm
I would have thought by now you would have jacked it up and checked for any play on BOTH front wheels.
If I was you I would not drive it till you have done the above.
Try it as it may supprise you.

Phredd

Post by **toomanytoys** » 14 Oct 2007, 11:11

DOnt drive it until you have chaecked it out.. as said jack it up and feel the play in the bearings.. thats what it sounds like to me...

Post by **T'Onion** » 14 Oct 2007, 12:28

I would agree will Si , sounds like the peen nut has slipped or the bearing is shot , just jack it up, pop the cap in the centre and check for play in the wheel

Post by **"WEAZLECHIN"** » 14 Oct 2007, 16:53

put your foot to the floor and see it stops at 90+ mph

Website · Post by **syncrosimon** » 14 Oct 2007, 17:14

Jack up each wheel in turn and spin the thing and have a look to see if it or the tyre is out of shape, should only move about a couple of mm. most garages will do a free check, but then they have got your trade when they find something.

Post by **ozzy** » 14 Oct 2007, 17:21

I had the same problem it turned out to be the drive shaft. Came on with no warning when it was lifted to a garage by the RAC the noise and wobble had gone?
I had the joints done and not a problem since

Post by **pouch** » 14 Oct 2007, 17:32

Just back at the Hotel room from my day at the Trade show.

Thanks to all of you for your suggestions.

Unfortunately the chance of jacking the van up are difficult as I don't have the trolley jack with me, just a can of tyre weld!

I am in a Hotel by the NEC birmingham, can anyone suggest a near garage where I could get them to have a look tomorrow during the day??

Thanks a lot,
Martyn

Post by **big red bus** » 14 Oct 2007, 21:56

You could try garage that I use sometimes but about 12 miles from NEC. locate in dudley but two chaps there very good with t25 and know there stuff. Give them a call 01384 243004 (AT Automotive). Can't suggest any one closer as don't know any, sorry. Hope this helps and good luck.

Post by **Ian Hulley** » 15 Oct 2007, 08:28

Use the service jack ... you're not taking the wheel off or going underneath the van. Lift it til the wheels off the ground and feel for movement in the 12 and 6 o'clock positions, repeat for all 4 wheels and you should know whether it's the wheel bearings. The fact it came on suddenly would imply that one's failed, if so it's a ride on the truck with the flashing lights for you friend.

Ian.

Post by **ringo** » 15 Oct 2007, 08:49

Call the AA.

Ringo