On car wheel balancing in the Midlands

[MrMCI]

Hi chaps,

This is actually a problem on my Lotus Europa but you are a knowledgeable bunch so I hopesomeone can help. Basically I have horrible wheel wobble on my Europa, I have changed wheels and tyres but it's no better. I suspect the hubs/brake rotors may be out of balance but I have no idea where of how to get it sorted. I was hoping to do an on car wheel balance to compensate any issues rather than balancing the individual assemblies.

So question 1: does anyone know anywhere in the Midlands that does on car balancing?

Question 2: any other ideas?

Cheers

Mark

[ukdj]

This is what you need to test the brakes etc

Link

[phillpot]

MrMCI said:

question 1: does anyone know anywhere in the Midlands that does on car balancing?

This guy's based in Bicester is that still the Midlands (and not exactly cheap)?

[MrMCI]

Great....thanks for the links.I'll check the run outs to make sure that it's not something daft and thenjoy get onto this chap. To be honest if it gets rid of my vibrations it is money well spent! I'm currently worries about my fillings coming out when I drive it, which kind of spoils things a bit.

[QBee]

Where do you take your TVR?

I live in the East Midlands, but as I got my TVR when I lived near Wisbech, I still take the car to Mat Smith Sports Cars in Downham Market, Norfolk. About 70 miles from Newark on Trent, where i am based. He has a Hunter 4 wheel aligner and a mass of knowledge of all sports cars.

I am taking my Saab to Mat on Monday, and do have a suitable trailer for a low car (I take my TVR on it) if you want a lift for it (and you) over there?

[MrMCI]

That is a very kind offer, thank you. I've been chatting to a few friends and it sounds like my problem may be more like like wheel fitting than balance. Im going to get a dti and check it all out.

[ClassiChimi]

You say you've changed wheels, have these wheels been balanced before you've put them on the car?

You either have a loose ball joint or play somewhere
A warped disc, or ill fitting Calipers,

Have you done any brake work previously,
Is this the standard brake system as fitted to your Lotus?
How old are your discs.

[MrMCI]

So the history is....
Ever since I've had the car(10 years now) it has had a vibration at speed.
I replaced the break discs (which I did cross drill myself to a cad template)
I've also replaced the wheels and tyres which were balanced before they went on.
It's had the front suspension rebuilt with ball joints, reunions and wishbones.
I've just changed the steering to rack uj but when I bought a replacement it wants a rubber sandwich constriction like the old one but a proper forged UJ.
It's really since the new uj that the vibrations are pretty unbearable. Strangely it seems to be road surface dependant and is worse with a bit of steering lock. The vibration is noticeable for 30mph upwards and doesn't seem to pass as you speed up.

[ClassiChimi]

Does this vibration come on when using the brakes or just when moving along.
The road condition and worse vibration seems linked so that suggests a connection,
Can you feel any play when front wheels are lifted off the ground, grab wheels at top and bottom and see if you can feel any slack.
Sounds like a wheel bearing maybe, is it coming from both front wheels?

I'd be looking over all the replacement joints etc to check theres no play just to be sure!