Impending Doom?

[SactoT4R]

2004 Limited V8 4WD ...

got this strange vibration ... I bought it with 60,000 miles on it, and from day one, when in reverse with the wheels turned hard right, it vibrates. At first, I suspected the idle was dropping too low (that's how it feels), but that's not it ... it's directly related to the wheels turning (idle stays steady) ... it feels like drivetrain bind (crow hop) ...

The dealership's stumped ... they had it for two days and some 22 miles ... two techs. and nothing. It won't do it every time ... worse when cold ... more likely over uneven pavement (driveway) ...

Any ideas? Anybody seen anything similar? Front differential? Could they have used the wrong diff. fluid? They say "no", but I'm not so sure.

All in all, pretty minor, but I'd like to catch it before the extended warranty runs out.

 

[Jed]

What is vibrating? The engine? A suspension piece?

If it is the engine, does it continue to do it if you put it into neutral? Or slow down/speed up?

Does the steering wheel have to be at full lock for it to happen?

Does it only happen when you turn the wheel one way and not the other (I know you mentioned hard right, but will it not happen hard left?)

Does the idle speed change at all when this happens? Meaning does it drop at all or does it stay rock steady?

 

[SactoT4R]

Only right ... wheels must be turned, I'd say, at least 75% of full lock ...

The dealership can't confirm what is vibrating ... haven't tried the neutral thing, but if you turn the wheel full lock w/o the wheels moving, no vibration.

Idle is perfectly stable ... Dealership seemed to agree with the binding scenario but can't figure out where or why.

 

[Jed]

Do you notice any difference if you try doing with with the differential locked or unlocked?

 

[ALLEGRO]

Capt. Obvious here, but what about a worn power-steering pump or loose pulley?

 

[alaskaman]

Sounds like a u-joint.

 

[rook]

Only right ... wheels must be turned, I'd say, at least 75% of full lock ...

The dealership can't confirm what is vibrating ... haven't tried the neutral thing, but if you turn the wheel full lock w/o the wheels moving, no vibration.

Idle is perfectly stable ... Dealership seemed to agree with the binding scenario but can't figure out where or why.

other possibilities..

• check the skidplate - sometimes it gets bent and will rub the tire

• check out suspension components for rubbing. did you upsize your tires?

• steering stops can get noisy and can be lubed up with a dab of grease

 

[Jed]

Sounds like a u-joint.

Do you mean CV joint? U-joints are only on the driveshafts and should be be affected by cranking the steering in one direction only. Now a CV joint could absolutely be affected in that way, so that's a good area to check.