Conference terri::cars_uk

2251.0. "Ford Escort XR3i Steering/Suspension Vibration Problem -- Help Please" by XSTACY::DOODY () Thu Apr 14 1994 10:40

Hi

I own an 1989 XR3i. (58000 miles) Which had had a prang on the drivers side 
(front wheel driven back 6" by the impact with a Taxi!) this had been fixed 
before I bought the car (private sale).

Since soon after buying it I noticed a mild 'shake' in the
steering starting at 2000rpm and increasing to a noticable vibration by 4000rpm

Initially I put this down to Tracking and balance 
I had this done and some relief was achieved....

Then I decided that the rims ('Dogleg' Alloys 185/60 14's) where at fault
and I bought two new ones, which were fitted c/w new tyres recently
But still no cure.

In the last few weeks a noticable vibration when braking started. - Sounds like
track-control arm /anti-roll bar/ steering knuckle -- Probably brought on by
the original problem.

A friend told me to jack up the car and run it  and maybe I'll see what 
the problem was. This I did last evening.

With the front wheels off the ground and in 5th gear 
@2000rpm a strong vibration begins
by 4000rpm it feels like a earthquake

I found mild wear in the drivers side steering knuckle
Wheel Bearing is fine. No other wear evident 

Next I tried a set of standard ford cortina rims/wheels (13's steel) and got 
the same result.

Ok then I took off the wheels and ran the car without them.
This time the results were the same except the strength of the vibrations
was about two orders of magnitude less.

Now I noticed that the drivers side drive/half shaft ( thats the long tubular
 one) seemed to have a very slight warp in it , whereas the passenger side
(solid one) was running true.

Could a half shaft slightly out of true cause these vibrations???

Has anyone out there any ideas?

Yours in desperation
  Brian.

(P.S. I know I should have never bought it in the first place but .....
..... it seemed like a good idea at the time)

 
    

    Brian,
    
    I'm no car mechanic but feel that warped drive shaft is the problem and
    needs replacement.
    From my own experience I had a car that had a dodgy UJ on the prop that
    caused the prop to rotate out of true and vibrate badly. Replacing the 
    UJ solved the problem.
    
    Dave.
    

Change that drive shaft - I cant believe the garage didn't replace it as a matter
of course.

If you think about it the end of the driveshaft is going to be wobbling around as
well - causing the symptoms you describe.

Andy

    Brian,
    
    It would be worth replacing the following as well; The track control
    arm, inner and outer TCA bushes on both sides, inner roll bar bushes
    and the track rod end ball joint. All these parts will have been
    strained/worn by the vibration. It will also tighten up the fornt
    suspension and improve the steering response and turn in. If you can
    get hold of a set of stiffer bushes it will be even  better.
    
    BTW the front wheel bearing will not last as long either.
    
    If you want anymore info call me on 7847-5439. I raced MK3/4 Escorts
    for several years and have gathered a fair amount of info on getting
    them to handle in a reasonable manner.
    
    Cheers,
    
    Simon.