What can be the problem?

[Johnny03]

Hello all,

First I like to say that this is a really good site. I have been on it many times and I have finally register today and look forward to spending more time on the site.

I have a 03 V8 sports model and this is a great vehicle. I have never had any problems with it for 75K miles. Until now, a problem has come up and I just can't figure it out and hoping that somebody may have a solution.

When I am driving on a normal road, the car starts vibrating when it hits the slightest washboard on the asphalt (sometimes no washboard) and continues to vibrate until I let go of the gas. I have been travelling the same roads for years and never had this problem but it is recently started vibrating. It is like driving on a washboard dirt road but the road is smooth. The problem exist at all speeds. It surprises me at times because when I am driving and it is smooth, then all of a sudden the car vibrates and I have to let go of the gas pedal to stop the vibration.

I am not sure if it is a suspension problem, a ABS problem, transmission problem, or defective tires? I am at a lost and hopefully someone can help or had the same issue?

Thank you in advance!
John

 

[CJ3Flyr]

2 "free" suggestions: 1) grease the driveshaft. There's a great sticky in the maint section of the forum. The word Zerks is in the title. 2) inspect the exhaust for any broken hangers.

 

[Johnny03]

Thanks Chris for pointing this thread out. I have spent hours reading through it and fortunately, the problem that I am experiencing is not a "clunk". I had that problem on my old Nissan Pathfinder. I am so glad that I don't have that problem yet (knock on wood). If people are describing the "clunking" is the same as vibration, then I do have the same problem. As much as I hate dealerships, I will have to take it to Toyota to see what they got to say.

 

[MikesToy]

Does the steering wheel vibrate?

 

[Nuke]

There are a number of things that can be causing this and more likely 2 or more things compounding one another:

1) Check your tire pressure. Be sure you're not running them too much above or below the door sill label pressure rating.

2) Have your tires balanced (and be sure it's on a machine that can handle hub-centric in lieu of lug-centric wheels). You could be on the edge where, once a vibration begins, it simply sustains itself.

3) Have your suspension components checked. Worn components can not properly dampen and again, once a vibration begins it can sustain itself.

4) Have the drive-line properly greased and the bolts retourqed

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Ah, just thought of it...

How has your driveshaft greasing regimen been? A good-ole fashion failed/failing u-joint will do what you've described. If it hasn't been serviced regularly maybe that's it. Again, grease it up. If it makes a difference even for a day then check out the u-joints.