gregintenn
Member
When did this start? Did it start all at once, or get progressively worse? I'm betting a bad tire.
My car...at my wit's end! Any thoughts?
- Thread starter captorquewrench
- Start date
Oldiron
US Veteran
A couple of items I haven't seen anyone mention is the rack and pinion (there are ball joints inside) and the PS control valve.
I also don't remember anyone asking about any pops you may hear. A CV joint that is locking up may not have any play but will normally pop some where in turning.
My mechanic was 18 when he passed the ASE test for Master Machanic so he has been taking care of old Dad's vehicles for a long time. He doesn't rely on cars for a living anymore since the small cars and his 6"2" frame didn't mix real well. I will try to remember to ask him if we have missed any possibilities while we are at the Gun show tomorrow and post if he thinks of anything.
Larry
I also don't remember anyone asking about any pops you may hear. A CV joint that is locking up may not have any play but will normally pop some where in turning.
My mechanic was 18 when he passed the ASE test for Master Machanic so he has been taking care of old Dad's vehicles for a long time. He doesn't rely on cars for a living anymore since the small cars and his 6"2" frame didn't mix real well. I will try to remember to ask him if we have missed any possibilities while we are at the Gun show tomorrow and post if he thinks of anything.
Larry
Broken steel belt broken and working its way outward
Wintter is here, maybe you're running summer air in the tires, or the air is just very high milage. Change the air. That must be it.
K1500
Member
I don't think anyone mentioned allignment. I also vote for broken tire belts. Rotate them and see if it changes anything.
quneur
Member
Check the transmission fluid levels? If it isn't the suspension system could it be a transmission problem? The only other thing I can think of is a computer problem.
bgrone
Member
What speed does the vibration start at? Does it get better at higher speeds? Most tire vibration problems due to bad belts or out of round will start at a given speed (usually 50-60 mph) the smooth out after a higher speed (usually 60-70 mph) front tire problems will be very noticable through the steering wheel, rear tire problems will be more noticable through the seat or floor boards.Feel free to message me for more help
ASE certified Master auto and heavy truck tech since 1977
ASE certified Master auto and heavy truck tech since 1977
OP
captorquewrench
Member
transmission fluid was checked .
A computer problem would have thrown code at me and affect motor running.
This is definitely a drivetrain/suspension issue.
Also, someone else asked if it got better at higher speed. No. The faster I go, the worse it is. Starts becoming noticeable at 15-20 mph, and them considerably more bothersome as I get faster.
Ball joints sounds like a good place to check as someone suggested.
IH8SPM
Member
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I know you said you checked the cv axels but what about the half axle bearing. I had mercury villager that would make awful noises when slightly turn left and going over dips on the highway. Mechanic checked everything and couldn't find the problem we even considered it to be transmission related. Finally one day while pulling to friends drive way I tore the boot on the cv. Took it to the shop and he replaced the whole shaft with a refurb and the both problems were gone. You may also want to do a video of the problem and post on YouTube with a link. I find visual or hands on to be easier or to diagnose.
I have summarized all the above and determined that it is either:
Mechanical
Electrical
or
Fuel related.
Bill is in the mail.
Mechanical
Electrical
or
Fuel related.
Bill is in the mail.
Dmaxboy08
Member
alrightie well if a vibration is occuring a certain speeds and not egnine RPMs, more than likey IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE POWERTRAIN OF THE VEHICLE! You have to start looking at what turns. Wheels, tires, wheel bearings, brake rotors, brake drums(depends on make and model), axle shafts, ujoints(on rear wheel drive vehicles).
First thing I would do since the vibration is in the front, is rotate the tires. Very simple, very cheap, very quick. If the vibration moves to the rear, tire or wheel issue. If it doesnt, than you can rule out tires and wheels completely.
Now next thing we need to know is what EXACLTY has been replaced since you have had this problem. Did you have something replace and then this problem showed up? Did any of the parts help the issue or didnt change a thing? If you hit a bump in the road does the vibration get worse even if you are staying a constant speed?
First thing I would do since the vibration is in the front, is rotate the tires. Very simple, very cheap, very quick. If the vibration moves to the rear, tire or wheel issue. If it doesnt, than you can rule out tires and wheels completely.
Now next thing we need to know is what EXACLTY has been replaced since you have had this problem. Did you have something replace and then this problem showed up? Did any of the parts help the issue or didnt change a thing? If you hit a bump in the road does the vibration get worse even if you are staying a constant speed?
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How about the thing is worn out (207,000 miles) and needs to be given a decent funeral and replaced.
Comrad
Member
I once had a car with a drive shaft out of balance that raised hell at highway speeds. They are balances with weights on the side, maybe one rusted off?
OP
captorquewrench
Member
I've already said replacement is not an option.
That's what we thought until we compared how much we were spending to keep our old truck running compared to a car note on a newer model used truck. Turned out that the car note was less. So I went from an '87 4WD truck to a 2009 4WD truck.
Dmaxboy08
Member
Possibly. Most front wheel drive cars use CV axle joints and since they are so short do not require a weight to help balance them out. Now if the suspension is not correct on the car and it puts the axles at a weird angle, then yes the axles would cause a vibration. Most driveshafts that require weights are found on rear wheel drive cars.
