05 Focus vibration at highway speeds, did all I can, problem persists

[itsme000]

Hello,

I have an '05 Focus ZX3 SE and recently replaced the factory steel wheels with 16" factory alloy wheels. The wheels were purchased from someone who installed aftermarket wheels on his Focus. I installed them with a set of new Fuzion(Bridgestone/Firestone) HRi tires.

Immediately following the installation, I was getting a vibration that you get when our wheels are out of balance.

1. Wheels are hub-centric.

2. Spin balanced all four wheels, three times. Both readings are below
1/4oz for all four wheels, vibration continued.

3. ForceMatch and Road Force balanced on Hunter GSP9700. ForceMatched
to <15 lbs. All wheels passed the test for run-out(wobbling) in both
radial and lateral.

4. Wheel bearings: No noticeable play.

5. Brake rotors: should be fine. Pedal has no pulsation while braking.

6. Alingment: should be fine. Checked within the last year.

Any idea what else?

[malletslinger]

Try rotating them...on my girlfriends 2000 focus zts, we cant rotate the tires. All the rims are fine and properly ballenced, but for some reason, they can only be in one position, otherwise, the vibration and road noise is unbearable.
Try moving the rims around to find the sweat spot, but understand they probably cant be rotated.
BTW: The FOCUS was in and out of a Ford dealer, and they couldnt figure out the problem...but I had my step dad take her car into the Nissan dealer he worked at and they figured it out in about an hour. Go Figure!

[itsme000]

Originally Posted by malletslinger

Try rotating them...on my girlfriends 2000 focus zts, we cant rotate the tires. All the rims are fine and properly ballenced, but for some reason, they can only be in one position, otherwise, the vibration and road noise is unbearable.
Try moving the rims around to find the sweat spot, but understand they probably cant be rotated.
BTW: The FOCUS was in and out of a Ford dealer, and they couldnt figure out the problem...but I had my step dad take her car into the Nissan dealer he worked at and they figured it out in about an hour. Go Figure!

My Focus was smooth like glass until these alloy rims. I understand your ZTS came with the alloy as well. I might have to just put the stupid steel wheels back on.

[malletslinger]

Try rotating them to different positions and see if the noise persists, like I said, in my girlfriends zts, the rims have to be in the correct spots, and they can't be rotated, but you may be right, may have to switch back to the steel wheels...
Also, keep in mind that you could be hearing road noise as a result of the tread pattern of the tires you put on the alloys...

And it couldn't hurt to take it in for a free alignment check...just because it was checked within the last year doesn't mean it can't be off now.

[itsme000]

Originally Posted by malletslinger

Try rotating them to different positions and see if the noise persists, like I said, in my girlfriends zts, the rims have to be in the correct spots, and they can't be rotated, but you may be right, may have to switch back to the steel wheels...
Also, keep in mind that you could be hearing road noise as a result of the tread pattern of the tires you put on the alloys...

And it couldn't hurt to take it in for a free alignment check...just because it was checked within the last year doesn't mean it can't be off now.

So it's "just the way is" thing and they haven't figured out WHY huh?
Where do I take for free alignment check? They charge money just for putting it on alignment machine.

[malletslinger]

In her case yes, and I hope it turns out to be the same for you
Would be a shame to have bought those rims and be unable to use them...
Well I live in CA and took my car to Big O Brand for a free check(although I know I did need an alignment), but I don't know if they are in Oregon...
Just call a couple of places and ask...or look for an add in the newspaper or the penney saver for free alignments advertised.

[hdwnkr53]

Check the rims for dents ,possibly from a pothole or curb hit.It doesnt take much with 50 series lo-pro tires .It happened to me.Also make sure that the bead on the Fuzion tires is properly seated,when i put them on the bead was stubborn.

[greg123]

had the same run,see if your rear drums are balanced