~nomad~

iTrader: (4)

My brother has a st170 which has a pretty bad vibration coming thru the front from about 65mph, after that speed it vibrates all the time. It is much worse under load. We have tried balancing the wheels and even fitting a set off his escort, which we know are 100% straigh and balanced with good tires. Wondering if anyone can think of the next things to try and cure it?

~nomad~

iTrader: (4)

bump

It's Czech Mate

Inner cv or tripod joint worn out

Does it do it more under load in high gears then stops/lessens when you back off?

~nomad~

iTrader: (4)

thats exactly what it does mate. whats the tripod joint?

Luca

iTrader: (2)

st170 Run equal length drive shafts.

The drivers side shaft runs on a bearing which is mounted onto the sump it supports the shaft and reduces the torque steer effect, this wears after time so you need to replace the half shaft bearing.

~nomad~

iTrader: (4)

is there anyway to test to see if thats the fault at all?

Luca

iTrader: (2)

I would guess the only way is to remove the bracket that holds it against the sump and spin it to feel if its smooth or harsh. It should not spin freely but it should feel sliky smooth when rotated.

~nomad~

iTrader: (4)

ok mate, i will give that a whirl! cheers!

tsutton

Warped brake discs?

paceo

iTrader: (5)

my focus tdci has the same problem, only in 5th gear at 45mph, it will vibrate bad if i put my foot down.

is the inner CV joint the gearbox end?

where is the tripod joint again, i have forgot! i feel dumb today!

FasterFords

my old 170 did that.

its a Ford.

expect things to get on your tits

Benni

LOL! True, the new focus isn't too bad.

~nomad~

iTrader: (4)

yeah not something you could live with tbh! anymore ideas? where is this tripod?

griff488

my missus' focus does the same thing form 75mph! I have replaced track rod ends, anti roll bar links, lower arms, discs and pads. i have balanced the wheels and replaced the tyres.
WTF is wrong with this sodding thing!!!!
I do get a slight vibration when turning right hard but other than that at any other speed its perfect!!!
Please help as i'm going slightly mad and getting ear ache from the missus as its her motor!!!

Luca

iTrader: (2)

The answer is in my original reply

griff488

Ok! Sorry m4dyeti i wasn't sure if it was specific to the ST170 only.
I bit the bullet and bought a haynes manual for it and in the fault finding section it says there are three causes for vibration whilst accelerating.
1. Worn tripod joint (this is the three bearings on the end of the driveshaft inside the CV joint)
2. Warped or bent driveshaft.
3. Worn intermediate bearing (which is the one m4dyeti mentioned above)
So thanks m4dyeti. Much appreciated.

Luca

iTrader: (2)

No need for the sorry mate, others missed my reply too, glad hopefully your on the path to fixing this... let me know the cost of that part as im fitting that box/shafts in my fiesta and want to replace it before it does what yours has

~nomad~

iTrader: (4)

just to clarify, the half shaft bearing is a seperate part to the driveshaft yes? ie its not included if i buy a complete driveshaft?

griff488

I have just spoken to my parts supplier and he says the intermediate bearings are a Ford only part and they are separate from the shaft.
Also the Tripod joint only comes as a complete shaft. I am waiting for Ford to ring me back with some prices and when i find out i'll post them here.

~nomad~

iTrader: (4)

ok mate, I will try and pop into ford this afternoon too and if i can get a price / availability out of them I will post it here. The driveshaft as a complete unit costs£150ish plus VAT from a specialist i called, there is also a refundable £50 on top, refunded on return of the old shaft.