'97 Ford Escort LX Vibrating
 

My car starts vibrating at about 35mph and sometimes turns into violent shaking. It's really annoying to drive. Anyone have ideas as to possible causes?

Thanks.

RE: '97 Ford Escort LX Vibrating
 

A bad tie rod end does that. Bad unbalanced tires will do that too. Not enough air in the tires. To check the tie rod end, just get the car and grab the front left tire by both sides at the 3 and 9 oclock position. Then jiggle it. If there is a noticable amount of play you could be looking at a bad tie rod end. Check the other side the same way. They are easy and inexpensive to change. You will need a front end alignment after you are done.

RE: '97 Ford Escort LX Vibrating
 

Check your front wheel bearings. Mine were bad and made a similar noise, thing is, I replaced the right side because it sounded like that side, when in actuallity it was the left side.

RE: '97 Ford Escort LX Vibrating
 

jl and bullet both have good suggestions, but I have to add ball joints to the list of things to check. To check them properly jack the car up under the control arm, put your hands on the 12 and 6 o'clock positions and wiggle, if there's play those are bad too.
good luck


edit: didn't realize how old this thread was, probably got it figured out by now huh

Have you got ur vehicle straight from the showroom or from the second hand dealer. If its from the second hand dealer did you get your car inspected for any traces of serious accidents. Usually bad accidents might end up spoiling your car chasis. will post on AUTOMANIX Auto Review | Know Experience and Share Up a few checklists for making sure the car hasn't met with any major accidents.