AI steering vibration at over 60 mph

[tishaeisha]

Hi,
My 2014 AI ext has about 8k miles and recently I have been noticing vibrations in the steering when I go over 60 miles per hour( specially on a level straight highway). The vibrations were most around 68mph. We took it to the MB dealer and they did a wheel balance/tire rotation but the problem never went away. Actually I wasn't sure how they did the wheel balancing because i was told by AI dealer that we need to be doing "force balancing" and when we told that to the MB dealer, he didn't know what we really talking about( at least at first).

We took the AI to the MB dealer second time for the same problem. After checking it a little, we were told that this is how the big vans drive and the steering vibrations after 60mph is normal. He added that these vans are not really meant to go over 60/65.

But I haven't really noticed this much vibrations during the first few thousand miles.
Do you guys agree with the dealers explanation? Has any one else had this problem and found a solution for it?

[toskeysam]

We have a slight vibration in the same range. Just about the time I decide I am going to have the balance checked, it goes away. Really seems to be dependant on pavement AND speed. I am just going to watch this for awhile.

[Kwils25]

We have a 2014 Ext Interstate with just over 10K miles. We have experienced no front end vibration and we tend to travel up to 73 MPH on interstate highways.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, sounds like a bad/poor wheel balance to me; Especially at that speed.

[toskeysam]

I usually run 65-70, but did "accidently" find myself at 80mph in Texas. It was smooth as my Mercedes car.

[Protagonist]

My 2012 Interstate (2011 Sprinter) has no noticeable vibration at any speed up to 75mph (the speed limit on I-49 in Louisiana). That was true before I installed the Koni red struts as well as after.

[Boxster1971]

I've never noticed any steering vibration in 30K miles. However my front tires did develop outer edge wear due to improper alignment from factory. They set alignment on empty van in factory. Then Airstream adds all that weight which changes geometry. Dealer asked me to bring it in with full normal weight so they can set alignment correctly.

[73shark]

I got mine w/ about 4K miles on it and it had a vibration at 60-65. Took it back to the dealer and they rebalanced front wheels which fixed the problem.

I'm calling BS on what the dealer said about not going over 60. If they truly did a road force balance and it still vibrates, it might be something else like U-joints or driveshaft carrier bearing.

[David M]

I agree with what everyone has posted here. I have 11K miles on my 2013 with no vibrations from 0 to 80 mph. I also experienced outside front tire wear, and my dealer aligned it for me under warranty. I'm not sure how true this is, but my dealer said that the factory doesn't even align these vehicles; that they just put them together according to mfg specs 😱

[David M]

Oh, and regarding alignment, there was a post here not too long ago discussing how the alignment should be set to as close to 0 degree camber as possible vs the factory recommended positive 1.0 to 1.5 degree for AIs.

[MeandMB]

Take it back and have them fix the damn thing right. 20,000 on my new AI with no vibrations at all. You paid LOTS of money for this van have them fix it properly.

Joe

[robert claus]

It's a tire problem, and the warranty for the vehicle probably excludes tires, deferring to the tire manufacturer. I'd take it to a Michelin/Goodyear/Continental dealer, and see what they say. If there is a bad tire, perhaps they will replace it.

[Jeff64]

The good news is there is nothing wrong with your van. The statement that these vans are not meant to run over 60 is complete nonsense! In my opinion the problem is the factory tires. Mine has had the same vibration and a spin balance will improve the situation for a time but chances are the tires are not perfectly round. They will have imperfections that cannot be balanced out. I have experienced this on multiple vehicles and the solution for me has always been the same. Find the best suited Michelin tire for the vehicle and most likely your problem will be solved. I'm getting ready to order two for the front of mine this week. I know there have been a few members on here that have switched theirs out already, maybe they will chime in and let us know how they are working out.

[russ240]

Some dealers are good with tire work and some are not. From what you have told us, I would say your dealer is not. I would recommend finding a local tire store that has good customer service and pay them to balance your front tires. The $20 to $50 you pay them will be well worth the aggravation you will be avoiding by not dealing with a dealer that's proven that they don't know what they are talking about. Road force balancing is useful when you have a problem tire though it's not strictly necessary. The MB dealer may not have a road force balance machine as it is more of a specialty tool that is common at tire dealers. When I got my 2012 almost three years ago it did have a slight vibration at highway speed. I had a friend at a tire shop balance the fronts for me on his NON-road force balance machine and it cured it. It was smooth as glass all the way till the governor kicks in at 85mph.

[russ240]

Oh and yes I put a pair of michelin LTX M/S2's on the front and I have been very happy with them. I just ordered four more but have not installed them yet.

[lewster]

Sounds like the tires are out of round. I just replaced a new set of 4 Michelin XPS-Rib tires on my 2011 Sprinter service van with 91,000 miles.

The ribs were vibrating noticeably and I swapped them out under the Michelin 30 day ride guarantee. Went back to the LTX-MS2s. Much better ride all the way up to the max speed of 83mph.

Your MB dealer is an idiot!!!!

[xrvr]

Early sprinters had drive shaft balance problems but I think that was long ago corrected. Carrier bearings may have been part of the problem, also. This in the 05 and 06 vintage not the newer ones. Jim

[overlander63]

If the Artificial Intelligence in my motor home caused a vibration while steering, I would simply pour a drink and let it.
Please, don't get too carried away with abbreviating and shortening words, it confuses people and could cause the person that has the answer to your problem simply pass the thread by...

[russ240]

Originally Posted by overlander63

don't get too carried away with abbreviating and shortening words

In this sub-forum "AI" is the commonly accepted abbreviation for Airstream Interstate. I am certain there are lots of terms thrown around in the other forums that would throw the moho (motor home) guys for a loop.

[tishaeisha]

Thanks every one for all the suggestions! I will first take it to a local tire shop to redo the balancing.