04 Ford Fiesta vibrating steering wheel!

GrammarGirl

As some may know from previous threads, I have been looking to replace my 97 Ford Fiesta for some time. I eventually did so on Friday, buy buying a 2004 Ford Fiesta! Overall I am very pleased with it (I went for a 1.4 diesel in the end).

However, something I didn't notice during my test drive (as I only took it on local roads) is the steering wheel vibrates when the car gets over 70mph. Not a huge amount, but noticeably. It seems worst between 70-75, below or above that it evens out.

Any ideas what this could be? The car is covered for 3 months with Evans Halshaw but not ALL faults qualify. I had a similar problem on the old Fiesta which turned out to be completely worn brake pads. However, with this problem also came really hot tyres and the brakes constantly 'holding' the car - neither of these happening in the new one.

Thanks!

daily_2

Could be various things, wheel balancing is the first thing to check, assuming tyres are correctly inflated, and there is no obvious visible fault around the wheel area.

davetrousers

Yup Wheels need balancing

Silk

Hi Grammar Girl,
It will probably just be wheel balancing that need doing, easy and cheap

Premier_2

Wheel balance is the first suspect for vibration through the steering wheel.

Mention this to the dealer who should rectify the fault before you buy - it only costs a few quid at any tyre fitting garage.

Not remedying the fault can lead to uneven tyre wear, possible undue stress on the whole steering mechanism and of course an an unpleaseant driving experience.

If re-balancing the wheels doesn't solve the fault - walk away as the cause could be something much more costly.

davetrousers

Premier wrote: »

Mention this to the dealer who should rectify the fault before you buy

RTFM. They've already bought the car

GrammarGirl

Yep, I've already bought the car! I am annoyed because my reason for buying a new car was the constant stress of breaking down/repairing the old one, and now I need my new one repairing! I guess that's cars for you though.

Hopefully it will be the wheel balance (fingers crossed!) which is covered by the 3 month warranty. I will book myself in for the weekend. Thanks for all your help.

Premier_2

Sorry I didn't realise you had already bought it.

I wouldn't worry about whether the warranty covers the wheel balancing - it'll probably only cost a fiver max. total for both wheels.

In the unlikely event the wheel balancing doesn't fix the fault, then would be the time to consider the warranty protection. However, approaching the seller first would probably be best.

Good luck!

GrammarGirl

Thank you Premier - have just booked it in for tomorrow at 12.30. I mentioned the wheel balancing and the lady said 'yes it does sound like that, I will let them know' - always good to make it sound like you know what you're talking about so they can't fob you off with pointless 'faults'!

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

Bear in mind the tyre could be faulty and still correctly balanced.

GrammarGirl

They said they would do a full vehicle health check (although they are supposed to do this before they sell the car... I have a sticker on my windshield that tells me it passed! :rolleyes:) so hopefully whatever is causing the problem will be identified.