DEFENDER2.NET - View topic

↓ Advertise on Defender2 ↓

Home · FAQ · New Posts · My Posts · PMs · Search · Members · Map · Calendar · Profile · Donate · Register · Log In

Home > Puma (Tdci) > Vibrations

Page 1 of 1

Print this entire topic ·

olivers

Member Since: 19 Jan 2012
Location: Southern Scotland
Posts: 115

2007 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Zambezi Silver

Vibrations

My 2007 Puma 90 has been vibrating a bit for a long time, and this has developed into a rather strong vibration at certain speeds. It comes in somewhere above 50 MPH and goes away above 60, though it varies a bit depending on the weight of the vehicle. I can feel it in the steering wheel, which shakes from side to side, sometimes I can also hear it from the back when the tailgate rattles. When the vibration sets in, it remains the same when I press the clutch.

Yesterday I went and had the wheels rebalanced. They were quite far out and now things have certainly improved a lot, with the vibrations being way less intense and occuring only at a smaller range of speeds (around 55, I think). However, the fact that the problem isn't gone leads me to believe there might be a second reason here - only I have no clue what causes vibrations like this. Any hints would be welcome!

Cheers
Oli

27th Jun 2018 9:58am

blackwolf

Member Since: 03 Nov 2009
Location: South West England
Posts: 17520

2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Stornoway Grey

Any imbalance or defect in any rotating component can cause this. After wheels/tyres, the next thing I would check would be the condition of the propshaft UJs, and whilst I was checking them I would check that I haven't lost a propshaft balance weight.

To check the condition of the UJs thoroughly it is necessary to unbolt the propshafts, so that each joint can be articulated fully. Whilst a really bad UJ can usually be detected with the propshaft in place, a stiff or notchy UJ generally can't be detected without articulation.

27th Jun 2018 11:39am

shropshiredefender

Member Since: 05 Jun 2017
Location: Shropshire
Posts: 834

2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Santorini Black

Steering ball joints/drop arm ball joint?

27th Jun 2018 11:51am

blackwolf

Member Since: 03 Nov 2009
Location: South West England
Posts: 17520

If you move onto the balljoints (as suggested above) also check the swivel bearings for preload - insufficient preload can allow a wheel wobble to develop.

27th Jun 2018 11:58am

Clive

Member Since: 21 Mar 2014
Location: Littleborough
Posts: 467

2004 Defender 90 Td5 X-Tech LE Zambezi Silver

You also need to consider the frequency of the vibration, for example, an out-of-balance wheel has a distinctly lower frequency vibration than a faulty prop-shaft UJ, (about 4x in fact.)

27th Jun 2018 11:59am

olivers

Member Since: 19 Jan 2012
Location: Southern Scotland
Posts: 115

Thanks for all the hints, guys! I'll do a lot of checking and possibly pop into the local garage for some help - will keep you posted what I find.

Oli

27th Jun 2018 12:44pm

olivers

Member Since: 19 Jan 2012
Location: Southern Scotland
Posts: 115

Follow-up: vibrations finally gone - well, mostly. It appears the main culprits were the tyres... BFG mud terrains, and it turns out the front ones are slightly strangely worn. On close inspection they appear to be worn more on the inside than the outside, but only on every second tread. It’s unclear how that happened... but with the front tyres swapped to the back, the vibrations are almost gone.

On the way ball joints and prop shafts have been thoroughly checked and several bushes changed - so all good stuff. Plus lessons learned, including how all these bits and pieces have influence on ride quality.

24th Jul 2018 7:06pm

Page 1 of 1

All times are GMT

Jump to

< Previous Topic | Next Topic >

Posting Rules

You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum