Hi folks, 

 

just a quick question, i recently clipped a kerb at about 45mph, there was no physical damage to the tyre or wheel. Ever since this happened though i have vibrations coming from under the car above 60mph, I had the wheel balanced and had a full inspection of the wheel / suspension for damage but all looks fine. The opinion is that the drive shaft is now out of balance causing these vibrations, my question is how safe is it to drive in this state, it is only noticeable above 60mph and ive already done a few hundred miles without any problems but the majority of this was on 50 roads or less. The mechanic said it should be fine to drive until it gets any worse, i'm just worried as i need to drive 120 miles in 2 days which will be mainly motorway so above the speed that the vibrations happen. Is it safe to carry on driving?

There is damage to your car from the 45mp impact. Consequential failures could be dire, with say a wheel bearing failure causing a sudden end to your driving. A new wheel and tyre plus a new drive shaft, bearings plus oil seals, etc etc. may be needed.

Do you have a friendly garage who could put the car on a rolling road and get a better idea of what's causing the vibration?

Or take the car in for an MOT, explain why you're asking for it.  They may be willing to inspect it as part of the MOT.

@chaymus

Was it a qualified mechanic / motor engineer that told you it was safe, or some exhaust & tyre centre 'fitter', that might not take their nearest and dearest in the car?

?

Was there a 4 wheel alignment check carried out?

Edited 16 May, 20197 yr by Skoffski

It was a proper mechanic, said they had checked everything over and took the car for a drive but not up to 60. The alignment hasn't been checked but I do know the streering wheel is slightly off centre now so will need sorting. Would this cause vidrations tho? 

If the steering wheel is off centre now, but was straight before you hit the kerb, suggests you have damaged part of the steering linkage.  Bent a rod or knackered a track rod end bearing?

I would not want to drive it at any speed until a mechanic has checked it.

 

Edited 20 May, 20197 yr by Stewart7
To add a warning.