Front end vibration, worse when braking

Suspension related stuff goes in here.
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BNelsonAz

Front end vibration, worse when braking

Post by BNelsonAz »

I just bought a 1980 FI 2000 and it drivers really solid, except for a very slight vibration the gets progressively worse the more agressively that you brake.

Warped disk maybe?
User avatar
btoran
Posts: 630
Joined: Thu Aug 29, 2013 8:26 am
Your car is a: 1975 Fiat 124 Sport Spider
Location: Northport, NY

Re: Front end vibration, worse when braking

Post by btoran »

i had something similar in my 1975 and i still had it after replacing all rotors and calipers. when i changed out the brake lines and proportioning valve, the problem went away. not sure whether it was the lines or valve, but one of them did the trick.
1975 Fiat 124 Spider
vandor
Posts: 3996
Joined: Sat May 23, 2009 1:23 pm
Your car is a: 1971 124 Spider
Location: Texas, USA

Re: Front end vibration, worse when braking

Post by vandor »

It could also be worn tie-rod ends. Just check all the brakes and suspension and replace the worn parts.
Csaba
'71 124 Spider, much modified
'17 124 Abarth, silver
http://italiancarclub.com/csaba/
Co-owner of the best dang Fiat parts place in town
BNelsonAz

Re: Front end vibration, worse when braking

Post by BNelsonAz »

Gracias Amigos! :D :D :D

Never would have thought of the proportioning valve! I think I will just do that, give the brakes an overhaul and the tie rod ends.

Bill
majicwrench

Re: Front end vibration, worse when braking

Post by majicwrench »

Only something spinning can cause a vibration. Tie rod ends just sit there when you are driving down road. Vibration at road speed , 50mph+ almost always tire related, they are spinning!! Driveline vibrations show up at slower speeds and are generally higher frequency. (driveline spinning faster than tires)
When braking, warpage in rotor causes vibration. Very typical. Proportioning valve...nah ain't doing it/
Brakes that drag get hot, this can bring out some warpage.
So, ballance tires, surface or replace rotors, make sure nothing draggin. While shop balancing tires they can take a good look at em. Out of round/cheap will do it too. All the front end parts you can possibly change will not get rid of a vibration.
Keith
BNelsonAz

Re: Front end vibration, worse when braking

Post by BNelsonAz »

majicwrench wrote:Only something spinning can cause a vibration. Tie rod ends just sit there when you are driving down road. Vibration at road speed , 50mph+ almost always tire related, they are spinning!! Driveline vibrations show up at slower speeds and are generally higher frequency. (driveline spinning faster than tires)
When braking, warpage in rotor causes vibration. Very typical. Proportioning valve...nah ain't doing it/
Brakes that drag get hot, this can bring out some warpage.
So, ballance tires, surface or replace rotors, make sure nothing draggin. While shop balancing tires they can take a good look at em. Out of round/cheap will do it too. All the front end parts you can possibly change will not get rid of a vibration.
Keith
Thanks Keith! :D
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azruss
Posts: 3659
Joined: Sun May 30, 2010 12:24 pm
Your car is a: 80 Fiat 2000 FI

Re: Front end vibration, worse when braking

Post by azruss »

One last thing to check. many aftermarket wheel do not have a 98mm bolt pattern, but a 100mm bolt pattern with sloppy holes. these can be bolted on off center and will create a vibration. this usually comes in the higher speeds.
BNelsonAz

Re: Front end vibration, worse when braking

Post by BNelsonAz »

azruss wrote:One last thing to check. many aftermarket wheel do not have a 98mm bolt pattern, but a 100mm bolt pattern with sloppy holes. these can be bolted on off center and will create a vibration. this usually comes in the higher speeds.
Another good thing to check Russ, since I do have aftermarket rims on mine.

Hey, I saw another 124 on New River road the other day. Looks just like the orange one pictured above!

Thanks!

Bill
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