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I can't drive 55

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<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Jonnyc:


What do you guys think? Is a manual balancing while on the car more effective and accurate??<hr></blockquote>

When I was a boy (I used to like that phrase, now I seem to be able to use it too often ;-( ) there was the method you described that we called "spin balancing" that was the latest technology in the 70's. Since you are working on that era of car, I think if you can find an old timer who knows how to use this equipment, you will be more than happy with the results. Your best bet is to find an independent gas station that bought one of those roll-up units years ago and has someone who uses it regularly.

Bruce
 
I agree thst the old roller spin balancing was the best.
There is one other possibility when all the suggestions are followed ,trued and exhausted.
There is usually a bearing at the top of the steering column for the shaft.After going a bit nutty on this, an oldtimer asked if I had
replaced this bearing.It was just a very small shimmering feeling at a certain speed but replacing this bearing eliminated it.
Reminds me of my Chrysler 440 years ago.It was an upper bushing in the distributor.Bench machines never showed this up but a good oldtimer drove it and said thats the problem.The shops scoffed but it was the fix.
 
I acutally had the on-the-car "dynamic" balancing done the other day. It does work very well, and my car is noticably smoother now.

This guy isn't an old timer, he's pretty young. But his dad (in his 60's) owns the shop, and taught him everything he knows. Like I said, he seems to have a good relationship with the Jag group in the Twin Cities, in fact a Jag owner brought in a wheel while I was there. They do a lot of old Corvettes and T-Birds too. I felt I was in good hands.

First they jack up the car to get the wheel off the ground. Then he marks the tire so they have a reference with the strobe. He puts a clear jug of fluid on top of the fender with a ruffled up shop towel under the jug. He spins the wheel to about 120 miles an hour to check. BTW: I understand most vibration is between 55 and 70 miles per hour because that's where the spinning reaches some sort of harmonic point, then the next harmonic point is about 120 - 140 where it shows up even more pronounced. Anyway, we watched the jug for vibrations in the water and we also watched the ruffled shop towel for vibrations. The strobe helps view a reference point so he can determine where the lead weights go. After a few trial and errors, the jug and ruffled shop towel were steady.

We both hopped in the car for a spin on the highway, and it is smooth. There's one point that I feel a very very slight shimmy in the wheel - but nothing I would worry about considering the age of the car and the fact that my front end probably needs an overhaul. It is much much better than before and I highly recommend the process.
thumbsup.gif
 
I'm replying to a post thats a year old, but I saw this on a search on "Houston"

I'm over in Pecan Grove and probably am driving the same roads as you. The speed limits in Houston may be 55, but the road speed is closer to 70. Unless its rush hour, then it is closer to 35 /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif. I have to get the WW's on the Healey balanced as I get a shake at about 60.

Is your car white? I saw RBB in front of Baker Street a few weeks ago, and I think it was white.

Patton (former '67 MGB owner)
 
I had the same problem at 65 with my 80 B. 60 was fine, 70 was fine. I had my front end gone over and the tires re-balanced. Ended up finding out my tires were flat spotted from sitting too long before I bought the car. A set of new Michelins did the trip. Now only my nerves can slow me down.
 
In reply to Patton since your in Richmond and I am in Sugar Land, and my car is white RBB, it might have been me. I love the drive out to richmond, the roads where the cyclist ride are curvy and really a lot of fun. I have driven out Richmond just to ride on curvy roads, they really are alotta fun in our LBC's
LoL this is such an old post
 
I would concur with most of the above that the likely problem is a wheel out of balance, suggest that you get all wheels checked and rebalanced.
 
In addition to checking balance, check the shock hold down bolts. Mine have loosened up several times over the years.

I also have learned over the years, if you go the speed limit all the speeders ( and that is by far the majority) will all pass you leaving you to relax and enjoy driving. But if you speed with the rest, you will be constantly with them and not be able to relax.


Bob
 
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