The front end of my 1951 TD use to shake badly at 55 mph with disc wheels
installed. The problem finally disappeared after the MG mechanic in Tampa
took a sledge hammer to the disk wheels in a brute force attempt to
straighten the bent rims. It seemed to work. He also stated the local tire
companies (2) had incorrectly balanced the wheels.
Yesterday I converted to wire wheels. The shudder/shake is back again at 55
mph. New conversion kit and #452 15 x 4.5 60 SS spoke Dayton wheels were
installed. I also installed new (sealed) inner and outer bearings on the
front axle. The wheels and spokes were supposedly checked by British Wire
Wheels before shipment. Why am I getting the shakes with all NEW wheel
components and how can I eliminate it?
Here is what I have done so far:
1) The five used but nearly new Coker 165R15 tires with radial tubes were
removed from the disc wheels and installed on the Dayton wheels and balanced
by a local, reputable tire company. On my first drive on the interstate, I
noticed the shakes at 55 mph.
2). Returned home, then I slowly turned each wheel/tire and checked its
trueness using a dial indicator on the side. There was a slight wavering
(like 0.23 inches variance overall) but barely noticeable by watching the
tread from the front. I put the two best wheels/tires on the front. This
did not improve performance.
3) I then lowered the air pressure from 30 lbs to 28 lbs. This did not
improve the performance either. When I received the wheels from the tire
company, they had inflated them to 38 lbs. I suspect this was to set the
tires within the rims. I (fortunately) lowered the pressure to 30 lbs before
driving on them.
4) When I installed the hubs into the new brake drums, I checked that they
all seated properly. I have now checked the tightness of all six nuts on
each hub, and they are secure.
Every time I have changed tires on this car, I have had this identical
shaking problem. But now I am at an impasse because I cannot think of
anything other fix to try.
What else should I be checking? I am thinking about getting the wheels
rebalanced, but since I rotated the tires once in the last two days and thus
different tires have been on the front, I suspect balance may not be a
culprit unless ALL FIVE WHEELS were incorrectly balanced.
Stu Keen
1951 MG TD Mark II
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