Rotating vibration from Front End
 

Ok so I've searched and replaced the suspension, top mounts and driveshafts in an attempt to cure this issue.

Even done a complete wheel swap with a friend to discount the wheels or tyres and spacers causing it and still no closer to solving this problem.

Appears to be rotational as kind of gets quicker with increased speed. Even there when braking and brakes nice and straight with no accentuated vibration when braking.

So I don't think it's the discs causing it and I'm thinking do I replace the wheel bearings even though I've had a few garages look at it and say it doesn't appear to be that causing it. I replaced the suspension arms about 18 months ago so don't think it's those either but without replacing them again and probably wasting more money.

Any ideas?

Front diff or I know some say the doughnut bush (guibo or whatever) on the propshaft it again had that checked and seemed fine.

I just really don't know.

Thanks,

Raj.

What specifically in the front suspension did you replace? Struts, top mounts, tension strut bushing, other control arm, ball joint.

Conditions, speed, braking, not-braking, higher speed with or without braking, turning or straight, etc. Please describe when it DOES vibrate and when it doesn't (aside being parked)?

Year of your E53? Version? Mileage? Condtion? Previously (known) work done on the suspension? Wheel / tire size you are running?

Have you checked your engine mounts? Does it vibrate when your foot is off the gas?

Hi.

It's a 2004 4.8is with 124k on the clock. It's very well maintained.

I've replaced everything over the last 18 months. Shocks, springs, top mounts, front control arms, track control arms, ball joints, brakes, wheels, tyres, driveshafts, etc.

The wheels are 20" MK Motorsport with Toyo tyres (both new last year).

The vibration is while in transit so not stationary. As I said it is rotational in feel and gets quicker with speed.

Doesn't matter whether driving straight, round bends, etc and still remains when braking.

It does feel like it's more under load than coasting.

Thanks.

OK, thanks for confirming. It sounds like you've done the comment wear items WHICH also are those that typically cause front end vibration. Tensoin rod bushing and ball joint (the one with two bolts bottom and the castled nut on the top ) are #1 & #2 causes.

Some may flame me, but I'll assume (w/o seeing the car) that you've covered most the other key elements and that the alignment is correct. Have you tried the car with a different wheel set, i.e. 18 or 19" factory wheels? Same result?

Did you replace wheel bearings (less common issue on the E53 but more likely when you run wider wheels)?

Another one (it happened to me with a hack tire mounting guy) to check. Your tires are clearly directional. Are they mounted in the correct direction of rotation?

Yes I have replaced nearly everything at the front end to no avail.

I have tried swapping alloys and tires with a friend (OE 168 alloys) and still the same.

Tyres are all mounted correctly too.

I have not replaced wheel bearings as of yet but a few trusted mechanics who have had a good look round the beast have all said the wheel bearings seem fine as there is no movement and the 'normal' bearing whine you would hear is not present.

I'm at a loss at the mo.

What does your front guibo look like (photo)? On the CV joints or shafts, does the vibration change when turning or driving on big on / off ramp sweepers?

Engine mounts. Your engine is flopping around in there.

No pics of the guibo but mechanics have said it doesn't look worn or cracked etc.

Also vibration doesn't alter when turning etc

Again had them checked and all seem ok. Will look again though.