Date:         Sat, 24 Jan 2004 08:55:01 -0500
Reply-To:     David Boan <dboan@BLUECRAB.ORG>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Boan <dboan@BLUECRAB.ORG>
Subject:      Wheel Out of Round
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

I have had problems with vibration in my '85 Westy for over a year,and
finally have an idea of what is wrong, but no idea why or how to fix it.

I replaced all four wheels four months ago, upgrading to 16" alloy, for
several reasons, including wanting to get rid of a persistent vibration.
The vibration continued with the new wheels.  My mechanic insisted that all
engine mounts and bearings were fine and it must be bad wheels.  The wheel
guy balanced them and said they were fine.  We then found that the wheels
were fine - balanced and round -on the machine, but when they were put back
on the car they were immediately out of round.  Wheel guy showed me they
were round off the car, and then put them on, held a gauge to the rim, and
they were slightly oblong.  Obviously this makes for a rough ride!  The
original steel rims and the new alloy rims did the same thing.  Wheel guy
showed what was happening, but he had no idea why that would happen.  Before
I go back to my mechanic for help I was wondering if anyone had ever seen
this and had any suggestions?

Thanks

Dave Boan
Easton, Maryland