Ford Ka- major vibrations after 40mph

[stigproducts]

Looking for some help in diagnosing problem with high milage Ka.

Major vibrations kick in about 40 mph, especially when accelerating hard. They dissapear about 65 mph but are scary to the extent thast everyone who drives it decides it's best not to again until the car is sorted.

Had all 5 wheels balanced to elimate that and there is nothing wrong with them as far as I can see. Could be driveshaft but there doesn't seem to be anything wrong with them from having a feel. Don't want to get into spending a fortune on parts to elimate them without a decent confidence I am spending wisely.

Any suggestions on things to check?

TIA

[rev-erend]

Sounds like something obvious..

When the wheels were balanced - did you look at the wheels revolving - to make sure they were not egg shaped (buckled)..

Next - drive shafts - you need to make sure they are sound..

check driveshafts and suspension is all securely attached - use crow bars to check if necessary.

Do a bounce test on each suspension corner to see if a shock is knackered..

Get a friend to drive along side to isolate when the vibration is..

[FWDRacer]

Does the vibration go when you de-clutch (at 40-50mph) only to start again when drive is re-engaged? If it does then your driveshafts are toast. usually the centre bearing on the long side shaft is the culprit.

[stigproducts]

FWDRacer said:

Does the vibration go when you de-clutch (at 40-50mph) only to start again when drive is re-engaged? If it does then your driveshafts are toast. usually the centre bearing on the long side shaft is the culprit.

Hi, thanks all for the suggestions. When accelerating is what my Dad described it as, and Mr Haynes (a liar BTW, specifically on the ease of which driveshafts can be removed from Ford Ka hubs) highlights that as symptomatic of knackered joints.
Now replaced and car much better.