Author Topic: Driveshaft vibration damper missing?  (Read 1964 times)

Offline Lap

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Driveshaft vibration damper missing?
« on: 22 July 2007, 22:26 »
Got a 1989 8V that has always suffered wobbly steering and vibrations that I can feel through the footwell at 60+ mph.

Noticed in the Haynes manual that the driver side driveshaft should have a vibration damper on it on GTi models. Checked on mine and its missing! In fact, it doesn't even look like it has ever been fitted.

Can anyone tell me if all GTi's definitely had one fitted? If so, could this be the cause of my problems? A bit confused how it works and why other models didn't have it.

Oh by the way, have already had most of the suspension bushes changed, new strut top mounts, new spigot rings on balanced wheels and tracking done. I'm running out of options!  :sad:
 

Offline Mr Blue

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Re: Driveshaft vibration damper missing?
« Reply #1 on: 23 July 2007, 01:11 »
all the mk2 gti's ive looked at have never had one fitted.

Could be worn bushes or outer cv joint like mine :angry:
:)

Offline Gambit

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Re: Driveshaft vibration damper missing?
« Reply #2 on: 23 July 2007, 16:51 »
they all fall off as they are only held on with double sided sticky tape - no joke - it wont take away your vibration either

Offline Dougie_91 8v GTi

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Re: Driveshaft vibration damper missing?
« Reply #3 on: 26 July 2007, 19:24 »
My 1991 is very similar, had the balancing done, that was the biggest problem, weights were out considerably on the front wheels, still got to get the rears done, tracking was not too bad before I had it checked and now it's ten times worse!!  Pulls slightly as well to the right, far more than it did before it went in, and it's been back!  Steering wheel at 12.05 now aswell!  CV joint rubber was also changed.

I now have a funny handling issue that I can't figure out?  It hates the wet on the front right hand side, almost feels as though the wheel is on edge, pressures are correct, so I'm stumped?  Bushes? 

Also the strangest part is that the power steering feels as though it is meeting slight resistance when turning from straight to the left (from moving the right wheel?)   I didn't have this wobbly steering before it went in for tracking and now it feels very unpredictable at speed!!!!!!! :angry:  Especially in the wet!

Tyres are indonesian and due to be changed on payday, so that may help!


Offline Gambit

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Re: Driveshaft vibration damper missing?
« Reply #4 on: 27 July 2007, 10:05 »
My 1991 is very similar, had the balancing done, that was the biggest problem, weights were out considerably on the front wheels, still got to get the rears done, tracking was not too bad before I had it checked and now it's ten times worse!!  Pulls slightly as well to the right, far more than it did before it went in, and it's been back!  Steering wheel at 12.05 now aswell!  CV joint rubber was also changed.

I now have a funny handling issue that I can't figure out?  It hates the wet on the front right hand side, almost feels as though the wheel is on edge, pressures are correct, so I'm stumped?  Bushes? 

Also the strangest part is that the power steering feels as though it is meeting slight resistance when turning from straight to the left (from moving the right wheel?)   I didn't have this wobbly steering before it went in for tracking and now it feels very unpredictable at speed!!!!!!! :angry:  Especially in the wet!

Tyres are indonesian and due to be changed on payday, so that may help!

whoever adjusted your tracking didnt loosen of the steering rack boot first, this is now twisted and causing the slight resistance, eventually the boot will split and they are fiddly to replace.

to be honest it sounds like whoever tracked your car hadnt a clue.

take it to somewhere recommended and tell them you want the car tracked straight ahead with 1.5 degree negative camber per side. dont let them tell you otherwise