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Colin115

Hi

My 2005 BA Falcon develops serious vibrations through the steering wheel when I travel on the motorway at speeds between 90 - 100Km/hr.

These vibrations do not appear all the time and do not appear to start under braking. However, when the vibration is present, when I apply the brakes gently the vibration is amplified.

I have had tyres, balancing and wheel alignment looked at and the brakes have been checked and seemed fine.

Does anyone have any experience with this problem or have any other ideas as to what might be causing this vibration??

ABayliss

Even though you've had the wheels balanced, it still sounds like a wheel balance problem (not alignment).
Balance such as this can be the result of a faulty tyre or a tyre that has been flat spotted or slightly out of round. It can also be attributed to a slightly bent or damaged wheel rim, or even non-factory wheels due to wrong offset, centres that are not properly mounting on the hub etc.
Badly worn shock absorbers or wheel bearings can have an effect too, but even then, if the wheel balance (including all the factors I've mentioned) is spot on, it is usually not felt through the steering to this extent.

snubs05

Yeah sounds like a wheel balance problem. Also get the run out check on the front brake rotors. BA Falcons have cronic problems with brake shudder.

If a wheel balance doesnt fix it, get the front brake rotors lightly skimmed (if not too worn) and dont fit genuine Ford pads. Bendix Ultimate pads seem to do the trick and these are what Ford used to fit under warranty.

Anon

I have had a similar problem and it was at its worse when braking especially down hill, I needed the brake rotors skimmed and new pads fitted, subsequently I was unaware that there are 3 types of brake pad and the cheepies don't cut it, best to install the better quality pads and I am confirming snubs05 comment re pad quality.

One thing to watch out for if you drive over new seal is bits of stone can get stuck in the tread and cause the type of shudder you have described