My '72 164E intermittantly makes a noise like an off balance washing machine. The sound is coming from somewhere on the left side of the front of the car. The car has new motor mounts and belts and I can not see any play in the front left wheel. This only happens when the car is moving. Any suggestions on where to look next will be appricaited.

I would check the front of the driveshaft. If there is play, there will be the exact problem you describe.

Klaus
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98 V70Rawd(101Kmi), 95 854T(85K mi), 75 164E(173K mi)

Below posts all very nice ideas.

Take car to local tire and alignment shop for a (usually free) "safety inspection" They may be happier to do it if you pay for a re-balance and tire rotation at the same time (better karmic balance anyway).

When they get back to you with the news (whatever it may be) then you can decide if it is worth your time to do (whatever) or have them do it. Most shops I frequent have lots of business so a "I'll get back to you" goes down fine. If they try to hard-sell you or lie and say they can't let the car go then pitch a fit and never go back!

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Mike!

Possibly a wheel bearing. Maybe. Don't know for sure. Does the pitch ofthe noise increase with speed or RPM's?
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And now for something completely different.

My thought also. Jack up the front end and spin the wheels by hand. A bad bearing will be obvious, if that's what it is.

BTW, I find that the direction sounds seem to be coming from can be very deceptive. Once I was convinced that the rear end was going out, and that turned out to be nothing but a front wheel bearing.

Could be an out-of-balance tire.
When the tires rotate in resonance you can get a rumbling.
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MPergiel, Elmhurst, IL '74 145e T-5 'Orange Alert'