Odd Vibration question????
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Auburn Kentucky
Odd Vibration question????
Guys, had the 95 now for 4 weeks. One thing that I notice and I can't decide if this is a tire or wheel or maybe something else. Let me explain.
This is a weekend toy for the wife and I. My initial thought is the tires sitting in the garage for the week maybe flat spot and cause the vibration??? (Sumitomo's HTRZ II)
What happens is that about the first 10 miles around 55 -65mph the car has a terrible vibration, cowl shaking, steering wheel, over all car and gives the feeling it is coming from the front end.
Now the funny thing is after that 10 miles or so. The car cleans up to where you just feel small vibration up into the steering wheel like a normal out of balance issue. Like a wheel weight or something. Nothing really unacceptable. It will continue to ride this way until the next time I let it sit again. Then I have to go thru the same thing again.
The OEM wheels on the drivers side do have evidence of hitting a good size pot hole somewhere during it's life. Both wheels have identical one inch or so dents on the wheel lip. You would think that maybe it was the wheels. Just why does it go away?
You guys have more history with these cars than I, just wondering if you might have any insight. Thanks.
This is a weekend toy for the wife and I. My initial thought is the tires sitting in the garage for the week maybe flat spot and cause the vibration??? (Sumitomo's HTRZ II)
What happens is that about the first 10 miles around 55 -65mph the car has a terrible vibration, cowl shaking, steering wheel, over all car and gives the feeling it is coming from the front end.
Now the funny thing is after that 10 miles or so. The car cleans up to where you just feel small vibration up into the steering wheel like a normal out of balance issue. Like a wheel weight or something. Nothing really unacceptable. It will continue to ride this way until the next time I let it sit again. Then I have to go thru the same thing again.
The OEM wheels on the drivers side do have evidence of hitting a good size pot hole somewhere during it's life. Both wheels have identical one inch or so dents on the wheel lip. You would think that maybe it was the wheels. Just why does it go away?
You guys have more history with these cars than I, just wondering if you might have any insight. Thanks.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 18,346
Likes: 1
From: D / FW
Sounds like it might have sat long enough to flatten the tires.
Three months on older tires will do it.
If you get on the Hwy and really warm them up for a while they will true back out if they are not too far gone.
Run flats are worse !
If the tires still look good or you have the bill to see how old they are you might get them balanced.
First thing I did when I bought my Vettes is put on new tires. No fun on a trip to have a flat in the middle of nowhere.
A friend had two runflats go on two different trips and car had to sit till new one was trucked in [ 3 days ] at a cost of over $500.00 per tire.
Three months on older tires will do it.
If you get on the Hwy and really warm them up for a while they will true back out if they are not too far gone.
Run flats are worse !
If the tires still look good or you have the bill to see how old they are you might get them balanced.
First thing I did when I bought my Vettes is put on new tires. No fun on a trip to have a flat in the middle of nowhere.
A friend had two runflats go on two different trips and car had to sit till new one was trucked in [ 3 days ] at a cost of over $500.00 per tire.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,773
Likes: 178
From: Rolla Missouri
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
St. Jude Donor '10 thru '25
Since you said it pretty much goes away after 10 miles or so, then it does sound like a tire "flat spotting" issue.
I believe if it were a wheel issue, it would never go away.
Some brands of tires are worse at this than others, and I don't have any experience with the Sumitomo's you listed.
You might try taking them to a tire dealer that uses "road force" balance equipment, and see if they ride any better.
I believe if it were a wheel issue, it would never go away.
Some brands of tires are worse at this than others, and I don't have any experience with the Sumitomo's you listed.
You might try taking them to a tire dealer that uses "road force" balance equipment, and see if they ride any better.
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: So. Cal.
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new car
You just bought the car? Someone may have added "green slime" in front wheels to keep from leaking. Green slime will do what you are talking about. It will eventually balance its self out until it sits again. Ask me how I know.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Auburn Kentucky
You may have answered my problem
Actually now I think of it, the the front drivers tire when I bought the car had the only low pressure reading, it was down to 24 psi. All the rest was on the money. I haven't checked it since I done the intial maintenance.
Yeah, I have just owned for 4 weeks. Man if that is it, what in the world was the last owner thinking? Just to save a few bucks. That makes a cold chill run up my neck! You now how fast I have had this car!
Corvette Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,797
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From: So. Cal.
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
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green slime
Its easy to check for. Put the valve stem all the down to the bottom by rotating tire. Let out pressure fairly fast. If its in there, you will see it come out.
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