2000 Mercury Mountaineer vibration!!!
 

When I get up to about 60 M.P.H. the front starts to vibrate, I've had all four tires balanced and the tires rods replaced. It seems like the front-right tire, but I don't see a bubble in it or anything, I know that driving over the speed rating will cause vibration, but the speed rating is 105 M.P.H. not sure what to do next, was thinking about rotating the tires but not sure if that will help...



Thanks
Data

definitely rotate the tiers to rule out the tires. If the vibration moves with the tire, then that means there's something wrong with the wheel or tire. If the vibration stays up front, then you've probably got a bad wheel bearing. Those that have not completely failed will usually only show up under load/speed for a while since they will heat up and expand causing excess friction which leads to vibration. It could also indicate a warped rotor. You might also check the torque on the lug nuts. Sometimes if they are not torqued down properly, the wheel will not be centered on the hub and will cause vibration (though I would think that would be evident at lower speeds too, but you never know... might as well check the easy stuff too).

oh yeah... a few other things... it could also mean that the front shocks need to be replaced. the wheel could be bouncing rather than out of balance. If the tire has a flat spot on it, then this could cause the vibration too... and if it's not properly inflated causing the tire to ride on the shoulders, it will feel like a flat spot due to the weld point in the sidewall of the tire.

Thanks slymer now that I have a starting point I can try and make some progress...
thanks again. I'll keep you posted

I also have a 2002 that does the same vibration,even at lower speeds, During the holidays i got 4 new tires with alignment and all that, the vibration hasnt changed so i tend to believe it is a rotor issue as i have done a bit of towing and braking when towing can heat the rotors.

yeah... you'll want to check the rotors and bearings then. The easiest way to see if the bearing is really bad is just take the tire off, and see if the hub wiggles at all. If the rotors fall loose with the tire off (like on my 93 vic) put a couple lugs back on snug so the rotor doesn't move and then wiggle it (this will allow better leverage on the hub to see if the bearing is cratered). If that's a no and it's solid, then rotate it. if it feels a little gravel like, then the bearing needs to be replaced.

Is it just me or will mountaineers do 120? : )

(downhill)

Thanks so much, it turned out to be the tire, so i gotta get two new tires...

does the merc do 120 mph?
 

oh yes it does, well mine did when it was new, i wouldnt try it now with all the towing miles and wreaks i have been in. but yes it is a true road car and it can fly with the 4.6 in it.