Vibrations and bad noises

[Crankshaft]

I have a problem that I hope some of you gurus out there might help me shed some light on.

My car is a '91 T4R (obviously ). Here the other day, I was driving to pick up a sofa, and had my trailer with me. When going over 35 mph the steering wheel started vibrating really badly, and there was a lot of vibration noise. Odd thing is, it only vibrates when there's a load on the engine. When driving downhill, or just coasting, the car acts like normal. Only thing I could think of was perhaps the joints needed lubrication. So I did, but no difference whatsoever.

Might be worth adding that this happened just overnight. The day before, the car was working perfectly.

If anyone has a clue to what's going on with my dear car, any and all help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[jrs944]

I had the same issue on a different vehicle and it was a bad cv joint. I would also check the u joints in the rear drive shaft.

 

[mikesmith140]

If the steering wheel is vibrating badly, you really, really need to check out the front end. Although there's a chance it's in the drive train to the rear wheels, if it's in the steering then you could have some pretty major problems. Lots of stuff up there to check out: ball joints (upper and lower), CV axles, tie-rods, and other items which could have loose bolts/nuts. I would suggest getting a diagnosis from someone who knows what they're looking at, i.e. a local mechanic.

Mike

 

[KidVermicious]

I'd start by balancing and rotating the tires, myself.

 

[Eisenfaust]

I still have the same thing; vibrations in 2nd and 3rd gear around 1700-2300 rpm. It started with bad u joint but that just slightly solve the problem. I replaced front BJ (upper are fine), tires are balanced and no other issue on front axle. Now, I suppose that maybe other u joint is bad or perhaps the one replaced is not doing the job properly.
or something else... ?:eyebrows:

 

[crash813]

Might of thrown a wheel weight off. Would explain the vibrations and the sudden appearance of the problem. I'd rotate the wheels to the back and see if it affects the vibrations. If so, go get the tires balanced.

 

[goatfarmer]

Can't add much to suggestions member's have already mentioned. Had a similar situation and jacked the front end off the ground and grabbed the wheel and checked for movement both from side to side and up and down, the problem became obvious. If not as fortunate, suggest taking it to tire shop, or similar type of business and for a minimal price they will go thru and give an estimate on repairs and list of replacement items. Have to be firm and don't allow the shop to start disassembly, a tactic some use so customer has no option but for them to do the repair.

 

[Crankshaft]

Thanks a lot guys. I'll be sure to check the things mentioned About the tire being off balance though, wouldn't that be noticeable all the time, not just when the engine is under load?