vibration at about 50 mph

[vintage]

I am experiencing a vibration around 50 mph, kind of a rolling "pulsation" feeling and sound. Have had tires balanced and alignment checked. Even put on a spare set of wheels and tires and problem was the same. Car was involved in an accident and repaired. Point of impact was on the right front wheel and fender.

Any ideas... or should I be looking for another car?

[gmjunkie]

Probably the rt. ft. wheel baring assy. depending how hard it was hit!! It don't take much to put a Flat spot on a baring anymore!! May be harmonics if the frame is a slight bit out!! Or even the suspension cradle shifted,this is a good possibility!! Was it checked with a frame machine or just a alignment rack?? junk!!

[vintage]

Thanks for your reply Junk.

I'm not sure regarding the use of the frame machine. They led me to believe that damage to the frame had been thoroughly checked and it was ok.

Guy at the tire shop said he didn't feel any play in the wheel assembly so he didn't think it was wheel bearings.

Is it a good idea to go ahead and have the wheel bearings replaced on the front anyway?

vintage

[gmjunkie]

Them Bearing are $$ they have the speed sensor built inside them!! It probably won't feel loose!! but maybe the roller's or race inside with a flat spot!! they are a sealed Bearing!! If you have the caliper off you may be able to feel a rough or tight spot!! Alignment can cause a harmonic vibration. There are allot of Tow&Go alignment Dudes out there that that will not mess with Caster or Camber if it is within spec.'s even if they are borderline!! And even if you align one to GM spec.s they can wear tires and not drive right or have a vibration!! That's where a Old School frame and alignment man comes in!! I would check misalinged suspension cradle,bent ball joint, dimond frame and wheel base of more than 4 mm off from right side to left!! And X measure front cradle to rear cradle!! junk!!

[mrm1149]

OR...see what a shop with the Hunter roadforce balance equipment has to say.........