Vibration

[mikem]

I have spent the last two days driving from Dover to Austria in the 4200cc . It is the first time that I have given it any miles. I was particularly looking forward to seeing what it could do on the German autobahns. However as soon as I reached 100 m.p.h.+ there was a definite vibration in the steering wheel. It became very pronounced at 120+ and this became very wearing after 20 minutes or so. This forced us to keep to 100 most of the time which was a bit disappointing.
My first thought was balancing but just before we set off I had 4 brand new Goodyear Eagle F1 asymmetric 3 tyres fitted and balanced. I also had the 4 wheel geometry checked, all o.k.
So I was wondering if anyone has any idea what is causing it. (Not that I can do much about it now)?

 

[whereskeith]

My friend had a similar thing in his 458, he had the balancing checked and it was very badly wrong... after being re done all is now ok ... it may not be your issue but don’t rule it out

 

[mikem]

My friend had a similar thing in his 458, he had the balancing checked and it was very badly wrong... after being re done all is now ok ... it may not be your issue but don’t rule it out

Thanks I will have it re-checked when I get home.

 

[alfatwo]

120 + that's pushing it.. did you check for the cameras

I got banned for six months for over 140 in Germany a couple years ago..

Carefully out there in Europe guys, Its not like it was 5 years ago!

Dave

 

[davy83]

Wheel bearings? faulty shocks? ball joints? track rod end? ARB drop links, cracked suspension arms (at 120+). all may cause some movement, and subsequent vibration? I know the mechanics of the 4200 are quite different between the 3200 and 4200 but the prop is a high speed lightweight thingy, could it be prop related? Just a few thoughts

 

[conaero]

Probably simply the the front wheels need balancing as suggested above.

Any garage could do it, worth finding one in Germany, only takes half hour or so and not worth spoiling your tour.

 

[CT3200GT]

Get a garage to check your 4 wheel balance again. Sometimes after you put new tyres on it happens within the first 1000km and it needs adjustment. Enjoy your trip,

 

[mikem]

Thanks guys for all your replies. Am heading to Italy for a week or so, then to Austria for a couple of weeks. I have an American friend there who speaks the language. He can probably organise something at a local garage. I will also be having my annual pilgrimage to the Ennstal classic which goes through the village where we have a holiday apartment. There's usually a selection of old (classic) Maseratis.a http://www.sportscardigest.com/record-numbers-2018-ennstal-classic-rallye/
I met Stirling Moss there a couple of years ago, he used to be a regular there but his health has prevented his attendance recently.

 

[outrun]

This happened to my Gransport on the Modena trip which made the autobahns less exciting! I found that you could drive through the wobble but my passenger suggested this was not that wise!! Turned out to be a balancing as well as a cracked alloy although I suspect that the balancing was more of the cause. The wheel was not obviously damaged and was not losing air etc.

I had it repaired and all aligned again properly but never had the opportunity to breach 100mph to find out if that was a proper fix.

 

[mikem]

This happened to my Gransport on the Modena trip which made the autobahns less exciting! I found that you could drive through the wobble but my passenger suggested this was not that wise!! Turned out to be a balancing as well as a cracked alloy although I suspect that the balancing was more of the cause. The wheel was not obviously damaged and was not losing air etc.

I had it repaired and all aligned again properly but never had the opportunity to breach 100mph to find out if that was a proper fix.

It seems that balancing is the most popular cause. Hopefully I will be able to get it sorted before the return journey. My wife as the passenger also suggested it might be wise to not exceed 100 m.p.h. but when it came to her turn to drive quite happily took it up to 110 m.p.h. on occasion.