R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) Cooper (R50) and Cooper S (R53) hatchback discussion.

R50/53 help diagnose vibration

Old Sep 12, 2015 | 10:33 AM
  #1  
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gpwpat
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From: Lincoln CA
help diagnose vibration

I have a vibration that happens between 55 and 60 mph. It is always there but that is when it is most pronounced. It also shimmy during breaking. But the brakes are new. It did the same with the old rotors and pads. I replaced the wheel hubs with cheap Amazon hubs 2 years ago. I also replaced the axles with cheap axles 5 years ago. I'm wondering if the combo of cheap hubs, cheap axles and cheap wheels could be the source of my problems. I'm rebuilding my car, next step I think is new quality axles and quality hubs.
 
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Old Sep 12, 2015 | 12:39 PM
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gpwpat
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I forgot to state I have all new suspension bushings, strut mounts, and ball joints. The only thing I can think of causing my vibration is bad hubs and axles. Wondering if anybody else has had a problem with cheap hubs.
 
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Old Sep 15, 2015 | 11:58 AM
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Many suspension problems can be traced back to worn out control arm ball joints or bushings. Shaking of the steering wheel at high speeds is a good indicator that the control arm bushings are worn, the ball joints are worn, or the control arm itself has become bent. (More info here). You said suspension bushings so I'm assuming you replaced the control arm bushings? Have you inspected the arms well to make sure they aren't bent? If so, you seem to be on the right track for plausible things you need to replace as cheap axles can definitely cause a number of issues. If needed, some good axle options here. Let us know what you find!
 
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