Hey guys,

The last thing I did to the jeep was I pulled off my tires to change the brakes, but ended up not doing it as there was still plenty left. I put the wheels back on and tightened them with the star pattern. At freeway speeds over my last road trip, I got a nasty vibration from 65mph - 80mph. Below or over these speeds, the vibration goes away.

We took off both wheels and put them back on correctly again thinking they weren't tightened correctly. The front tires DO need to be replaced as they are pretty worn and near balding. (yay for new shoes).

Any thoughts on this vibration only at these specific speeds? There does seem to be a slight "tocking" noise at low low speeds that could translate to this vibration at high speed, but I don't know what it is.

My brother is taking it to the "Jeep Doctor" in Santa Monica today, but I thought I'd seek help here too.

 

sounds like tire balance, but if you know the tires are almost bald ya gotta replace them regardless, and that should fix it. maybe a wheel weight fell off, or a belt has shifted. balance is usually higher speeds, bent wheel and bad tires and shifted belts are usually at lower speeds. good luck.

 

X 2 on it being a worn tire or balancing issue.

 

Alright, so I told my brother (who has the Jeep today) to perhaps go get some new shoes for it. Most likely another set of radials or something on the cheaper end since we don't do heavy wheeling and mostly freeway trips.

 

XXX4 on the wheel weights...Tj

 

so what would the slow speed (5mph) light sound be?

 

bad tire most likely. can you describe it. if its not really a scraping noise, and more of a light thud. and if its not a bearing noise. but you know you need tires, start there.

 

OK, we are getting tires this afternoon. The light noise SOUNDS LIKE:

as the drive line turns in a circular motion, there is a VERY light thump as if slightly out of balance. You only would notice it if you listened and felt for it.

 

tires should fix it all

 

Thanks, I'll let you know the status this evening (if anyone cares) LOL

 

definately, i hate when people don't post the results, it helps everyone in the future. let us know for sure.

 

Latest result. We picked up Pirelli Scorpion ATR tires. The problem is still present. My brother is now taking the car to the doctor. We'll either know today or later this week then, what's wrong.

 

that's too bad, i was hopin tires would fix it all. still vibe at hi speeds to?

 

Yea, he says it's the same. And it turns out the guy who owned the rad Jeep shop we were going to go to based on huge reputation died...I guess I'll have to go somewhere else now...grrr

 

OK, for those tracking this thread.

Took it to Dirty Parts. Jason: yes, I said Hi to larry. They said I have 3 u-joints that suck. Replacement with labor: $425 quoted. We'll get the car back today in the afternoon. I hope this is it. There are other things too, but not as pertinent:

1) a gasket on the bottom leaks
2) Tranny coolant lines leak slightly
3) I think some other lines leak slightly too...

So all in all, I'll get a list of things to save for to repair before modding. Being a highway road trip machine mostly, I gotta have reliability before off-road capability. Cross your fingers for this afternoon!