Drivetrain vibrations

[DaveTopMan]

Hi All,
I've been feeling a slight vibration up through the car when cruising at motorway speed. Nothing major and most passengers don't even notice but it bugs the hell out of me!
Recently, especially in the colder weather the vibration has been much worse between 45 and 65 ish mph.- usually just first thing, then it reverts to it's slight vibration after a coupe of miles or so.
Had wheels and tyres checked and all are ok.
Has anyone had any similar symptoms and could anyone point me in the right direction, please?
Thanks
ps. Had a similar thing on my previous 203 estate but assumed it was just age.
My current w204 estate has 42000 on the clock

 

[LostKiwi]

I'm wondering if this is related to tyre temperature. At colder temperatures the tyre compound is harder than at warm temperatures so it will pass any vibration from the road surface through to the chassis . Additionally in cold weather there is a lot of grit spread about can make the road surface more irregular.
Have you had the rims checked for out of round? What tyres are you using (runflats)? How worn are the tyres?

 

[grahamcol]

I'd also get the propshaft centre bearing checked, assuming it has one.

 

[Uncle Benz]

I'm wondering if this is related to tyre temperature. At colder temperatures the tyre compound is harder than at warm temperatures so it will pass any vibration from the road surface through to the chassis . Additionally in cold weather there is a lot of grit spread about can make the road surface more irregular.
Have you had the rims checked for out of round? What tyres are you using (runflats)? How worn are the tyres?

I'm with you on this. Also how old are they? Rubber goes hard with age, takes a flat spot overnight and then takes an age to smooth out in these cold temperatures.

 

[DaveTopMan]

Thanks guys. I’m learning more towards prop shaft as the tyres are all in good condition and I’ve swapped fronts for rear to see if the problem came through the steering wheel but it still came up through the body.

 

[Uncle Benz]

In my experience problems with the centre bearing are worse with load on and diminish as you ease the throttle back. Would be worth inspecting the condition of the rubber couplings at either end.

 

[DaveTopMan]

Brilliant thanks. I’ll get them checked.

 

[ajlsl600]

I'd also get the propshaft centre bearing checked, assuming it has one.

similar on my w208 clk, i have a new prop centre bearing to fit, when time weather allows, checked all wheel bearings tyre press ect. am hoping it turns out to be centre bearing, exhaust off to get shielding down and access on mine grr !

 

[Jenny Tills]

Hi all, have a similar problem with my 2013 cls estate x218.
At speeds between 75mph and 100, there is a definite vibration. i don't know if it's wheels, or drive train.
The tyres look fairly new, the car has done 59,000 miles.
The first thing to investigate will be wheels.....

 

[Oldspanners]

Had this problem a while back, went through the usual, balancing, thought of the propshaft definitely seemed like it as the shaking went from imperceptible at 65-70 to noticeable over70.
Spent some time cleaning the mating faces of both the wheels and discs, not just a quick wire brushing but wire brush on the drill, scrapers and various grades of emery and then a very slight smear of copper slip.
Result no more vibration at any speed.
May be worth a try to eliminate before investigating more expensive options.

 

[Jenny Tills]

Had this problem a while back, went through the usual, balancing, thought of the propshaft definitely seemed like it as the shaking went from imperceptible at 65-70 to noticeable over70.
Spent some time cleaning the mating faces of both the wheels and discs, not just a quick wire brushing but wire brush on the drill, scrapers and various grades of emery and then a very slight smear of copper slip.
Result no more vibration at any speed.
May be worth a try to eliminate before investigating more expensive options.

Thanks for that pearl of wisdom, that's something i'll definitely be trying before going to the bank manager and pleading my case.

 

[Wighty]

Hi all, have a similar problem with my 2013 cls estate x218.
At speeds between 75mph and 100, there is a definite vibration. i don't know if it's wheels, or drive train.
The tyres look fairly new, the car has done 59,000 miles.
The first thing to investigate will be wheels.....

As you just bourght the car it's still under warranty .