Hi All -
We have a Grandis 1998 model - with Steering Vibration and increasing intensity through the car - 135km not even a 100,000miles!
History
- Cam-belt done at 110km amongst other related to access at the time.
- Suspension done 125km - showing signs of oil leaking.
- 2 months ago showing increased vibration through Steering and car comfort.
Had the wheels checked for alignment as due and balanced etc. Checked Discs for issues - none found. Rechecked wheels 3 times again as problem still present - however small improvement.
- last week took into Mechanic - up on car winch - motor running and Im increasing the speed while its checked underneath. Looked like Front Drive axle unbalanced a little. CV joints seemed OK. Decide to take it in and get the Mechanic (A grade cert'd) to replace axle and check anything else that might be related to wear n tear.
Outcome - Mech' replaced and test ran but no difference - problem still present. Suggested that the car has now had 'enough spent' on repairs - we agreed but are not prepared to sell this to anyone as is and cant afford any more expenses on it at this stage.
He suggested that it could be from the Hydraulic Steering Assist that is failing - but still "safe to drive"?

Came here today and decided that this forum has a good supply of capable people that could identify "probable cause"!?

If you can suggest things to look for or for the Mechanic to consider please post or PM.

 

I had a chat with another Mech' who suggested a couple of things to try to eliminate.

- Had the Brake Rotors been checked or consider machining? Yip - Done
- Start car, hold brake down, engage D rive - observe any vibrations at increased rev's. If so then suggested a Transmission Seal ? could be at fault. Outcome - No significant vibration or increase as under road conditions - seems ok.
- Have the Engine mounts been checked? No. - possible that these can cause the vibration intensity i have been describing - this will be followed up tomorrow and will post here asap.

Answer was No that the problem is more on the Steering side of things - Currently we have spent $350 on labor and disk grind! The Mech is now checking prices for parts etc for the Hyraulic Steering arrangement.

Out of ideas!

 

Ended up taking the Grandis to a local Steering Expert (Bates Alignment - In Hastings Hawkes Bay. He spotted the problem when all "feet" were up.

a) Front left (in our case) tyre had a slight 'hump' - concerned that the tyre could be 'separating' leading to blow out and serious accident

b) the same tyre Tread pattern - was not uniformed. This would mean that the amount of rubber weight would swing the tyre from side to side. No more hints there!!

Recommendations - Get a new tyre or pair since we got two of the branded problem ones and spend a few more dollars.

So I took car back to our 'normal' tyre fitting place and they checked it for Separation etc. Didn't think it was that and then told me the 'Mag Rim showed signs of a small hit'. (Hmmm?) No history of any such as far as we were aware.

In the end as we couldn't afford to replace two still fairly new tyres (budget price) for next price bracket the front wheel is now on the back and paired with other same brand one. Steering is 98% better, Vibrations now is 100% on the rear transferring it through the seats! Such is life at the moment.

Moral of the story... Be very careful on buying imported Chinese tyres. Try and buy the next best tyre up.

Here Endeth the Saga!!