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Model specific boards => Golf mk6 => Golf mk6 GTD/TDI => Topic started by: sam_davies2 on 11 December 2013, 09:20

Title: Steering wheel vibration at 65 - 70mph
Post by: sam_davies2 on 11 December 2013, 09:20
I've recently bought a 2011 Golf GTD DSG with 20,000 miles and at motorway speed (65 - 70) am I getting a small amount of feedback through the steering wheel.  I initially thought it was the balancing, however my local tyre dealer has re-balanced the wheels and I've still got the issue.  Please note when I bought the vehicle all 4 wheels were refurbished with the original Bridgestone's left on the rear the new Bridgestone's up front.  The vehicle drives and brakes in a straight line.

I bought the car from a VW dealer who has agreed to inspect the vehicle and help identify the issue, but I wonder if anyone has encountered this before?

Thanks
Title: Re: Steering wheel vibration at 65 - 70mph
Post by: dubber36 on 11 December 2013, 11:10
The chances are that the rear tyres have worn on the inside edges in a "saw tooth" pattern. This is caused by misaligned suspension geometry. More often that not, too much rear toe in. When it gets really bad, it will make a droning noise, much like a worn wheel bearing and send vibrations through the whole of the car. As the wheels have been refurbed, the chances are it's had a few too many hard comings together with the kerb which could knock things out of shape

Run your hand over the inside tread of the tyre from front to back and you'll feel if there is irregular wear.

Unfortunately the only cure for this is new tyres and then have the suspension geometry checked and adjusted accordingly. Bridgestone and Dunlop tyres are the worst for suffering this type of wear, so it would be advisable to fit another brand.
Title: Re: Steering wheel vibration at 65 - 70mph
Post by: sam_davies2 on 11 December 2013, 11:44
Thanks for the reply.  I will check the rear tyres for that tonight but the front are brand new.

Its only a small vibration and only 1 of the wheels were marked but they did all 4.....when I speak to VW this weekend I'll point out the suspension geometry issue.  Hopefully they'll pick up the cost as I've only had the car two weeks and its hasn't been right since I drove it home. 

When I test drove the car, before the new tyres and wheel refurb was completed this was not an issue.  That why I thought it was balancing....
Title: Re: Steering wheel vibration at 65 - 70mph
Post by: sam_davies2 on 12 December 2013, 13:11
Checked the rear tyres last night and they seem smooth and even with no raised sections.  Maybe its an alignment issue....over to VW
Title: Re: Steering wheel vibration at 65 - 70mph
Post by: sam_davies2 on 18 December 2013, 14:36
After another wheel balance and 4 wheel alignment, lets hope Cardiff VW have sorted the problem.....all I hope now is that the M4 allows me to hit 65 - 70 on the way home to test it out.
Title: Re: Steering wheel vibration at 65 - 70mph
Post by: Mattyj on 28 December 2013, 21:13
Hate cardiff vw!
Title: Re: Steering wheel vibration at 65 - 70mph
Post by: sam_davies2 on 02 January 2014, 08:37
Well Cardiff VW didn't fix the problem.  Back to the supplying dealer - Taunton.

They keep saying that the vibration is a characteristic of the sports suspension and the master tech says nothing is wrong with it (and would be happy if it was his car).  I disagree.

Anyone else got or had this issue?

Thanks
Title: Re: Steering wheel vibration at 65 - 70mph
Post by: Booth11 on 02 January 2014, 09:39
I know you've had the wheels balanced but have you checked all your wheel weights are still in place?  Loss of a weight can cause steering wheel vibration.  Probably not this but worth a quick check.
Title: Re: Steering wheel vibration at 65 - 70mph
Post by: sam_davies2 on 02 January 2014, 11:17
The car is back with VW who are saying they cannot replicate the fault. 

Taking a day off work tomorrow to travel down to the dealer and demo the issue.  I cannot see how a steering wheel vibration is a characteristic of sports suspension...never had it in any other car with sports suspension I've owned. 

They have another GTD on the forecourt so may drive that and see if I get the same.
Title: Re: Steering wheel vibration at 65 - 70mph
Post by: charlie on 02 January 2014, 12:14
Poppy cock if sports suspension made the steering wheel vibrate we would all be down at the dealers complaining if you have know joy try changeing the wheels about you might have a buckled alloy
Title: Re: Steering wheel vibration at 65 - 70mph
Post by: SRGTD on 02 January 2014, 12:45
Well Cardiff VW didn't fix the problem.  Back to the supplying dealer - Taunton.

They keep saying that the vibration is a characteristic of the sports suspension and the master tech says nothing is wrong with it (and would be happy if it was his car).  I disagree.

Anyone else got or had this issue?

Thanks

I've never experienced vibration through the steering on my GTD, so wouldn't agree with the dealer's diagnosis this is a characteristic of the sports suspension.
Title: Re: Steering wheel vibration at 65 - 70mph
Post by: sam_davies2 on 02 January 2014, 13:03
I've asked them to change the wheels around i.e. front to rear. 

I'm at the dealer tomorrow, so lets see what happens.
Title: Re: Steering wheel vibration at 65 - 70mph
Post by: sam_davies2 on 04 January 2014, 17:27
Swapping the wheels around didn't work either. Thankfully I went out with the master tech and demonstrated the fault and then drove another GTD on the same route without an issue.

I think they're going to order new wheels and tyres now....bad news is another week without my newly purchased car. I do have a courtesy car but it's a 1.6 TDI BLUEMOTION Jetta.

I'm considering charging them for my time, mileage and bridge tolls when I collect as it'll be 3 trips of 140 miles each and 3 Severn bridge tolls......do you think they'll go for it?
Title: Re: Steering wheel vibration at 65 - 70mph
Post by: charlie on 04 January 2014, 18:07
I'd say new wheels and tyres is a good result mind you no harm going for it
Title: Re: Steering wheel vibration at 65 - 70mph
Post by: sam_davies2 on 04 January 2014, 18:58
The old wheels were unmarked (refurbished when I bought the car) with new front tyres and 5mm left on the rear (all bridge stones)

I assume they'll put the wheels from the other GTD on first and test drive. If it solves it, we know the issue is either alloys or tyres....

Title: Re: Steering wheel vibration at 65 - 70mph
Post by: sam_davies2 on 08 January 2014, 14:33
So they've swapped the wheels over and cannot re-create the issue.

Upon further investigation by VW Taunton, the issue seems to be with the front alloys - something to do with weight (wheel being under weight after re-furb).  New ones ordered.  Anyone know how much the standard GTD alloys retail at?

Hopefully I can test drive this Saturday and bring my car home - all being well.

If you have an issue I can recommend VW Taunton, the service has been great plus I got a courtesy car with no questions asked.
Title: Re: Steering wheel vibration at 65 - 70mph
Post by: Mattyj on 20 April 2014, 19:52
That is a very out of the ordinary conclusion interesting none the less
Title: Re: Steering wheel vibration at 65 - 70mph
Post by: golfhappy on 21 April 2014, 08:26
The garage should have whipped all the wheels off the GTD you tested without problems and put them on yours before ordering new ones. That would have taken that out the equation.