Juddering?

CoolChick · Post by **CoolChick** » Mon May 31, 2004 5:34 pm

I'm almost afraid to ask this question in case I don't like the answer!

I have noticed that when the roof is down the car 'judders' and the rear view mirror wobbles. Not to the point where I can't see anything of course, but wobbles none the less. The juddering only happens at low-ish speeds like when you drive through towns etc. On the open road its fine.

As I have never driven a convertible before is this normal or do I need to get the old girl back to the dealer?

Or could it be that after all the negative reports here, am I looking for something wrong?

Peter · Post by **Peter** » Mon May 31, 2004 5:58 pm

Hi unfortunately it is normal.

The best explanation I have seen of scuttle was on Top gear.

They compared a car to a shoe box. A shoe box with a lid on makes shoe box very solid, it does not flex at all or very much, but if you remove the lid, the box will flex in many directions.

A soft top looses it rigidity because it has no roof, like the shoe box without the top on. When you drive a convertable as the car hits bumps in the road the car flex's and this can be usually seen and felt through the movement in the windscreen/pillars. Look at the vibritions in the rear view mirror.

Regards

Sam1974

Hope this helps.

bif · Post by **bif** » Mon May 31, 2004 6:50 pm

You get use to it really quickly.

slimgym · Post by **slimgym** » Mon May 31, 2004 9:12 pm

roof is down the car 'judders'

I was surprised by this too but at least unlike a cloth-top you only get it when the top's down.

Is it called "scuttle shake"? I believe there are cross strengthening supports underneath which are supposed to minimise it but clearly it doesn't get shot of it altogether. I just tend to drive a bit slower when the top's off than I do with it on..

CoolChick · Post by **CoolChick** » Tue Jun 01, 2004 8:01 am

Thanx everyone for putting my mind at rest. Makes sense when you think about it.

Mind you I shall be going back to the dealer today after all! I have just been out to inspect for leaks after heavy rainfall last night. Guess what - I have a leaky roof.

I'm not stressed about it though. Quite chilled in fact. I'd feel quite left out if I didn't have a leaky roof actually.

ukdy · Post by **ukdy** » Tue Jun 01, 2004 8:40 am

i think all convertables have a few 'water seal' problems, it's only natural and something i think comes hand-in-hand with owning the car..... so long as the water isn't pouring in..... i'll tollerate a few drips, it's only water afterall.

i think it'd be pretty neat if the windows did what they do on the jag xk8, when the door is open the window is down half a cm, then when the door is shut it goes up to create a tight seal...

i wouldn't worry to much about your cc, CC