By Charles Van Cleef (Charles007) on Monday, September 17, 2001 - 04:55 am: Edit

Having read DISCO threads at several sites, I know that many people experience a rumble and/or shaking at speed in their Disco II's. However, I haven't seen many solutions. I need some help with the dealership and insight into the probable cause.

I bought my Disco II new. I picked a color after having driven a different truck, and drove happily away. Driving home, I noticed a serious vibration at 50-60, and worse at 70+. I took it back after a month and, after more than a week in repair, the dealership replaced the transfer case, I think. They had also checked the tires and drive shafts, they told me.

The problem was never really fixed; it has just moved to a higher speed range. At 80+ it rumbles and shakes again, and at 85, it is almost unbearable; there is considerable vibration in the steering wheel. I took my truck in for a 30K service recently and asked them to check it again. The mechanics refused to drive over 80; I must admit this is reasonable, though I would have been glad to take them for a ride. Osama bin Ladin (the devil bastard) threw my schedule off so much, though, I had to just pick to the truck up and drive home. During the drive home, the rumble was bad again, and I just fumed. The nearest dealership is 3 hours away from home, so it is difficult to get there and more difficult to leave the truck for an extended period of time.

During the 30K service, I had a 2001 Disco II loaner that did not rumble at any speed, so I know what is possible.

I do not have tire problems; they are new (Toyo) and balanced to perfection; plus, I have had the same problem with two sets of tires (I replaced the first set with 8K on them because the dealership said they must be "out of round" as a cause of rumbling). I don't go offroad--yet. My truck is pampered with the possible exception of frequent travel over vast distances at speed (80-90 mph).

Are there service bulletins, specifications, magic language, or other matters I should be aware of when I make my next assault on the dealer? I am an attorney, so I have tried that route. What is the likely cause? I am sure that the dealer thinks I am a pain in the as*, but a Disco II is at the high end of my spending ability and I want to get it right, especially before the free service and warranty expire. I think a year and 30K is plenty of time to wait.

Your help will be greatly appreciated.

By Jon Williams (Jonw) on Monday, September 17, 2001 - 07:11 am: Edit

My truck ('95) used to have a vibration similar to your description, and after a couple sets of new tires it was eventually found to be an out-of-round wheel. It was never discovered until my wheels were spin-balanced while on the truck. But not all shops have the equipment to do that...