More Vibration Woes
 

Simple questions I need an answer to. I have a non-violent vibration that is concerning me. While accelerating there's really no vibration until I get around 50mph or so. Once there, if I cruise at 50 the vibration is usually constant and feels like it's coming from the rear. The rear end also feels a little vague, but I've had the bushings replaced recently (within a year). When engine braking I get a stronger vibration that is not constant. Usually has a strange vibration pattern to it on top of the normal vibration.

Would getting an alignment help this situation. The car doesn't really feel like it's pulling any direction, but maybe the toe or camber has come out of spec on the rear? I believe this is a development from the previous vibration issue I had which turned out to be a siezed drive shaft. I've since replaced it and this is what's left.

How about a shot in the dark? Was the driveshaft checked for straightness and balance? Under acceleration/torque it wouldn't be as apparent as when its not under stress, i.e. coasting/braking. Best of luck!

parrotfever Bob

+1 get under there and check the u-joints.

It's brand new. IE: Direct from MazdaTrix

double check, just in case. HOw are the bearings?

Last I checked they seemed fine. I'm debating on if it might be the transmission on its way out or not. I'd know more once I got it aligned and they said yay or nay on it. (Free alignments from firestone ftw!)

Wheel bearings?

Rear end bearings?

Wheels and tires? (for some reason no one ever seems to check those :lol:)

What kind of engine and trans mounts are in the car?

Were good last checked (around the same time as the shaft was replaced. As in the diff?I had that thought, I was wondering if I threw a weight or something, but it is hard to put my finger on. I'm leaning more and more to alignment
Trans mounts might be on their way out, but don't think they are. They are stock.

Engine mounts are the MS ones. So only 50% stiffer than stock.

Mint (zero play) or "good" (maybe a little play)

Yep. There's several ways to check, the quick and dirty is the same as any bearing really - feel for play.

I would just get them balanced if you're not sure or haven't had it done recently. Even just age and lack of driving can make a wheel related noise. Alignment, although its a great idea to check it - won't really cause a vibration persay.......if something is totally jacked and a wheel is hopping along the road then yes alingment might cause a vibration, but generally speaking the two are NEVER related.

I see, was mostly curious if they were solid or not, solid trans mounts will shake your balls off.......in a bad way.

Is there ever a good way to shake your balls off? I don't know about you, but I like my balls where they are. I'll look more into the possibilities later this weekend.