Good Vibrations .... I think not!
#12
RE: Good Vibrations .... I think not!
Nello,
Having re-read your post I noticed something. You never stated that you've checked the following items:
a. The Tie-Rod Ends
b. The Camber Struts
c. The Upper Control Arms/Bushings
d. The Thrust Arms
e. The Sway Bar Links
f. The Steering Damper
g. Wheel Bearings
Your problem sounds familiar. I trust you've had a mechanic to check these areas, but you really need to check again. It's my belief, based upon your description that your problem is somewhere in these areas.
I don't believe that the driveshaft will have you oscillating. Out of balance driveshaft or worn flex disc will give you a driveline vibration or rumble clear down the center console into the backseat. When you punch the gas pedal it will feel like the transmission needs a mount, but the vibration is felt in the backseat as well.
Your description points to suspension and steering components.
Having re-read your post I noticed something. You never stated that you've checked the following items:
a. The Tie-Rod Ends
b. The Camber Struts
c. The Upper Control Arms/Bushings
d. The Thrust Arms
e. The Sway Bar Links
f. The Steering Damper
g. Wheel Bearings
Your problem sounds familiar. I trust you've had a mechanic to check these areas, but you really need to check again. It's my belief, based upon your description that your problem is somewhere in these areas.
I don't believe that the driveshaft will have you oscillating. Out of balance driveshaft or worn flex disc will give you a driveline vibration or rumble clear down the center console into the backseat. When you punch the gas pedal it will feel like the transmission needs a mount, but the vibration is felt in the backseat as well.
Your description points to suspension and steering components.
#13
RE: Good Vibrations .... I think not!
Of corse one can never be definitive in such cases without actually experiencing the problem and even then its difficult.
However the key indicator in this is the 25mph bit.
Unless the prop shaft doughnuts are in a really bad state it is also unlikely that these will cure such a problem.
Wheels, tyres, suspension (OOB/wear) usually only shows up at 70mph (ish) since there is not sufficient energy to cause noticeable vibration at lower speeds.
Nello states that the engine mountings are OK. I have no reason to doubt this but for there to be a vibration at such low speeds something of considerable mass has to be providing the required energy.
The only other thing that I can think off other than the engine is that the discs are not seated properly causing the wheel to act as a swash plate. this would be immediately noticeable if the wheel were turned with the vehicle jacked.
Maybe we need to go back to the beginning and determine the history of this problem particularly when it started and if any maintainence/service etc was carried out at this time.
Maybe this problem was present when the car was purchased (second user) since the previous owner was unable to correct the fault. was the vehicle in a shunt?
I'll be extremely surprised if the problem doesn't lie with the components highlighted......there is not much left!!
Does the problem persist if the car is run down a gradient in neutral at 25mph engine off (smooth road)? This should differentiate between engine and roadwheels/driveshaft induced problem.
NOTE: ONLY CARRY OUT SUCH TESTING IF YOU ARE FAMILIAR WITH APPROPRIATE SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS AND ACCEPT LIABILITY FOR SO DOING. (i.e. NO PAS, brake boost and steering lock).
However the key indicator in this is the 25mph bit.
Unless the prop shaft doughnuts are in a really bad state it is also unlikely that these will cure such a problem.
Wheels, tyres, suspension (OOB/wear) usually only shows up at 70mph (ish) since there is not sufficient energy to cause noticeable vibration at lower speeds.
Nello states that the engine mountings are OK. I have no reason to doubt this but for there to be a vibration at such low speeds something of considerable mass has to be providing the required energy.
The only other thing that I can think off other than the engine is that the discs are not seated properly causing the wheel to act as a swash plate. this would be immediately noticeable if the wheel were turned with the vehicle jacked.
Maybe we need to go back to the beginning and determine the history of this problem particularly when it started and if any maintainence/service etc was carried out at this time.
Maybe this problem was present when the car was purchased (second user) since the previous owner was unable to correct the fault. was the vehicle in a shunt?
I'll be extremely surprised if the problem doesn't lie with the components highlighted......there is not much left!!
Does the problem persist if the car is run down a gradient in neutral at 25mph engine off (smooth road)? This should differentiate between engine and roadwheels/driveshaft induced problem.
NOTE: ONLY CARRY OUT SUCH TESTING IF YOU ARE FAMILIAR WITH APPROPRIATE SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS AND ACCEPT LIABILITY FOR SO DOING. (i.e. NO PAS, brake boost and steering lock).
#14
RE: Good Vibrations .... I think not!
gonna try and get the car on the ramps tomorrow.
i have had a garage check a lot of things out.
but im going to do a lot myself as i never saw what they did.
they are trustworthy thought
the car is very sound apart from this so im happy to replace a few parts if they are worn as i will be keeping the vehicle for a few more years
thanks guys. a problem shared is a problem halved.
i have had a garage check a lot of things out.
but im going to do a lot myself as i never saw what they did.
they are trustworthy thought
the car is very sound apart from this so im happy to replace a few parts if they are worn as i will be keeping the vehicle for a few more years
thanks guys. a problem shared is a problem halved.
#17
RE: Good Vibrations .... I think not!
Cold is most probably the key.
What make, condition, size etc are the tyres. OE recommended? Where did they come from?
Suggest cold flat spotting of the tyres IF all is OK once they have warmed up.
Stuart
What make, condition, size etc are the tyres. OE recommended? Where did they come from?
Suggest cold flat spotting of the tyres IF all is OK once they have warmed up.
Stuart
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