Trying To Diagnose Strange Wiggle

[3241andrea]

Hi hoping someone can help as this is getting worse and the garage is failing to diagnose after half a days work two new front tyres and some serious head scratching. When the car is approx 35 -45 mph on uphill a wiggle can be felt through the car through your bum for want of a better explanation it feels like your sat on a washer in spin cycle!Doesnt seem to be gear specific but only apparant on uphill the higher the gradient the worse it is dissapears after 45mph any ideas???

[sparky Paul]

Welcome to the forum! ;)

 

a wiggle can be felt through the car through your bum for want of a better explanation

 

Wobbles felt through the seat, or back of your legs, is almost always related to the back axle. Possibly rear wheels need balancing, but that 'wobble' normally occurs at a slightly higher speed - worth checking though as it's a cheap fix. Could also be a damaged wheel rim, faulty tyre or damaged stub axle.

Edited December 2, 2010 by sparky Paul

[chromedome]

T%his wiggle can sometimes be caused by dry CV joints. Peel back the rubber boot and see if there is enough grease in there. If not pack with the appropriate grease and the problem should go away.

[3241andrea]

Hi I have had the rear axle checked and the tyres so apparantly not that but thank you for replying.

 

For want of appearing stupid what are the cv joints as the mechanic has seen some leaking lubricant at the left wheel joint but thought this wasnt the cause of the problem??

[sparky Paul]

For want of appearing stupid what are the cv joints as the mechanic has seen some leaking lubricant at the left wheel joint but thought this wasnt the cause of the problem??

 

CV (constant velocity) joints are the universal joints on the driveshafts which allow the wheels to move in all directions whilst still transferring power from the gearbox.

 

The outer CV joint is immediately behind the centre of the wheel hub, and is a MOT testable item - so any leakage of grease from the rubber boot would need attending to anyway. I can't say I've ever experienced the symptoms you describe from a dry CV joint, but it's certainly a tip worth bearing in mind in future. Clicking noises on full lock is the more common symptom of a dry (or worn) CV joint, try circles on full lock around a car park.

 

Did they actually check the balance of both rear wheels?

Edited December 3, 2010 by sparky Paul

[chromedome]

I has a company car and had the wiggle, you almost wobble in time with the car which I had never come across. After months of replacing and checking different things it did indeed turn out to be dry CV joints. Not packed properly from new apparently.