Wobbly Wheel - Any Ideas?

[ghop99]

So for the third time in just a week since I have had people drive past with their windows down saying that the rear left wheel was wobbling. At first I thought it was the old 'the wheel is falling of mate' old bus gag but after a genuine looking took the time to get out at the lights and come and speak to me I thought I best pull over check it out. First I checked the wheel nuts, then I called the breakdown crew as I couldn't get hold of a jack to take a proper look. He arrived jacked it up, we pulled about at the wheel, no exessive play. He gave it the all clear saying it wasn't the bearings and that he could see no fractures to the arms and comented on how solid it was. So I drive off, all feels good for a few miles until another geniune person stopped to tell me that the rear left wheel was wobbling. The tires are new so I cannot tell if the bus is wearing them down on one side just yet and the bus is new to me. I am taking it in for a full Waxoyl nest week so will get the guy to take a look when its up in the air but am after some pointers to start with.

Any Ideas :?:

 

[ground hugger]

If the recovery bloke has checked it out for play .It must be a tyre seated wrong or buckled wheel

 

[Araon]

get someone to drive it past you and have a look or follow in another car for a bit......

but if its not bearings or loose wheel bolts its looking likely to be along the lines of a buckled rim

 

[Loxy]

I'm assuming from this pic in your for sale thread that the wheels are non-stock?? another vw or merc?

In which case, are you sure they are seated correctly on the drums? could be the centre bore isnt big enough or fouls on the inner curved edge of the drum - or does the drum retaining bolt foul the rear of the rim causing them to wobble? (my guess is the last one) check the other side to see if the drum is of a different type or if the retaining bolt has been removed on that side.

 

[ghop99]

Yes, Merc rims, unsure of the history of them as I only picked up the bus last week, they are in pretty good nic so wouldn't expect them to be buckled, but you can never really guess.

Some great pointers for me to consider there, like I said its goin in this week so can get on it ASAP without it casuing too much bother, thanks guys, I will let you know..........

 

[oneday!]

I would go with the above check that both the drum retainer bolts are on or of and there is not only one other wise the wheel will not sit correct
ie this will cause the wheel to woble

 

[ronmidg]

see warning here (not same model, but same principle)

http://wiki.80-90.co.uk/index.php/Wheels_and_tyres_-_Alternative_wheels" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Quote:

NB. Warning... When fitting alternative wheels at the rear, please note that unless they are recessed for the two small drum locating set screws, then they will need to be removed so the wheel can be pulled up flush and flat to the drum surface.

 

[ghop99]

Well done guys.

Just got back from South West VW's who kindly removed the retainer bolts in the drums which was causing the wobble. Simples........

Every days' a school day! :idea:

Thanks for the input

 

[Loxy]

8) Glad you got it sorted