Towing Problem Vibration From Drivetrain When Under Load

[Ginettamad]

Just been to a show towing my sports car on a trailer and my gal has developed and nasty vibration from underneath the front when under load accelerating or going up hill. As soon as I take my foot off the gas it stops? It started by feeling like the road service was rough but then immagine driving along those "wake up" lumpy white lines at the side of the motorway then it sounds like that up big hills now. I hope its not too serious but then I start worrying as I have several more long towing trips to make to race ciruits soon so I hope its not the clutch or gearbox. Both of these were replaced before I bought it about a year ago.
Any ideas what it could be? Should I suspect the drive shafts or bearings CV's?
The vibrations can be felt through the steering wheel and pedals and as the suspension rises and falls it changes slightly.
When not towing I have never noticed it before as its not under the same load?

Just noticed after a towing trip the wheel bearings feel loose when wobbled and yet there is no play at all under normal unloaded driving?

Harvey

[seatkid]

Check the engine roll restrictor is secure.

[RADIOTWO]

[quote name='Ginettamad' post='133739' date='Jul 30 2008, 13:02:26']Just been to a show towing my sports car on a trailer and my gal has developed and nasty vibration from underneath the front when under load accelerating or going up hill. As soon as I take my foot off the gas it stops? It started by feeling like the road service was rough but then immagine driving along those "wake up" lumpy white lines at the side of the motorway then it sounds like that up big hills now. I hope its not too serious but then I start worrying as I have several more long towing trips to make to race ciruits soon so I hope its not the clutch or gearbox. Both of these were replaced before I bought it about a year ago.
Any ideas what it could be? Should I suspect the drive shafts or bearings CV's?
The vibrations can be felt through the steering wheel and pedals and as the suspension rises and falls it changes slightly.
When not towing I have never noticed it before as its not under the same load?

Just noticed after a towing trip the wheel bearings feel loose when wobbled and yet there is no play at all under normal unloaded driving?

Harvey[/quote]

Hi Harvey

I think you have poss answered your own question !
It sounds more like the CV joints, but you mention the bearings are loose ! so first thing is get the bearing checked out, then to try the
Cv joints, try full left lock, and drive slowly, then full righthand lock, and if you get a simular feeling/noise then its a cv joint, then check
if there is a split in the boot, and no grease.

Radiotwo

[gregers]

drive shafts maybe?

[Ginettamad]

Where is the roll restrictor and what does it look like?
Engine seems solid enough? Its a 2001 110 TDI manual.
Bearings are fine when not towing and its had a recent CV on the side where the play shows itself after towing so could something cause extra lateral force on the bearing only when towing? When pulling away the car does seem to rise quite a lot due to the extra weight.
Mechanics of course just say they cant find a problem as the play goes away after I've stopped towing of course.
Its a bloody nuisance as I tow quite a lot.
Thanks for your advice and maybe I get a new bearing fitted to see if that cures the problem.
H

[seatkid]

[quote name='Ginettamad' post='134132' date='Aug 8 2008, 11:52:04']Where is the roll restrictor and what does it look like?[/quote][url="http://www.fordgalaxy.org.uk/ford/index.php?showtopic=3324&hl=roll"]Under the engine[/url]

[jim_redauto]

I had/ have the same problem!

http://www.fordgalaxy.org.uk/ford/index.php?/topic/24609-vibrations-and-driveshafts/

[jim_redauto]

Is yours also an Auto?

[Sher]

I thought I commented on this?

I suggested it maybe the Top bush/bearing on the front strut if the driveshaft and other problems are eliminated.