Intro and question re 2001 ES
 

Just new to this group. I live in Ontario. We bought a 2001 Protege ES, not the GT with 5 speed. I'm not sure if this is common to the cars but we get a vibration aroung the 50 -60 MPH mark. The dealer rebalanced the tires and checked alignment, but this still exists. Dealer did say that the OEM tores tend to give a vibration when cold but should smooth out after a few miles. Anyone experience this. We have been driving 6 cyl Fords with automatic so as I said this may be the normal feel for these 4 cylinders. We also get a slight clunk in the first few miles with the clutch, particularly in 1st gear. It's almost as though the clutch mechanism doesn't release completely then pops the rest of the way. Any input would be appreciated.
We also have a 2000 Miata Evo Orange. :cool:

Don

I don't have that problem. From 0 - 170 mine is fine and anywhere in between. It does get a little quakey at 180 but that's to be expect :D.

I have the same problem, vibrations at speeds of 110 km/h to 120 km/h, with factory wheels and custom wheels. I solved the problem by removing the wheels and re-torqued them back on (at 30 lbs and 60 lbs and last 85 lbs), in criss-cross pattern. Now, the car runs as smooth as baby's behind (no more vibrations).
A nice torque wrench, $100.00 at Canadiantire, oh, and don't forget the deep-sockets (21mm). :blue:

00-pro-lx, touring pkg., 5-speed, tints, fogs, clear lights, lowered, meshes, alum. int., & more, spicy looking.

Thanks all for your input. Will try retorquing the wheels as suggested Don

will advise what results when I get the wheels torqued. It's cold right now and I will need to get the car in the Garage to warm it up (the Miata resides there right now and has asked not to be disturbed).
I am a little reluctant to retorque when the metal is this cold.
Don

Just incase you don't want to wait, there is no reason not to torque in the winter, but do a retorque in the spring when it warms up.

Stocker.