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I have a 64 convertible corvette. When driving about 60 mph, at times I feel a vibration. I replaced all 4 tires, rebalanced the tires and the rims are fine. Does anyone have some thoughts as to what this might be or what to check next? Thank you!
There's always the good old worn transmission tail housing bushing or worn transmission yoke (or both). If you can get under the car grab the driveshaft just behind the forward yoke at the tail end of the transmission and see if it has side to side and up and down play in it. If so, that is quite often a source of driveline vibration.
Worn shocks (completely shot - no resistance to movement) are also a possibility if you are unsure of their condition. Probably unlikely if you recently had tires replaced as they might have noticed.
Thank you for the responses they are very helpful...I suspected the U-joints as I noticed this after they were replaced. Also, I have drum brakes, I had them checked the other day because the car is pulling hard to the left when I hit the brakes. We found that the right front brake is not engaging at all I was told I have a bad master cylinder which may be the cause of brake fluid not getting to the right front wheel. Does this make sense or help with the vibration problem. After reading one of the links just sent, it indicates a bad brake drum could cause vibration.
Your driveshaft could have thrown a weight. If you have a driveshaft shop close, take them the driveshaft with the slip yoke attached and have it balanced. Should be about $30.00. If the U joint is bad or if the slip yoke is worn they should find that.
I just read Frank's documents. Spot on. I needed 1.3 ounces added to my driveshaft.
Last edited by 63driver; Apr 12, 2020 at 09:25 AM.
Thank you for the responses they are very helpful...I suspected the U-joints as I noticed this after they were replaced. Also, I have drum brakes, I had them checked the other day because the car is pulling hard to the left when I hit the brakes. We found that the right front brake is not engaging at all I was told I have a bad master cylinder which may be the cause of brake fluid not getting to the right front wheel. Does this make sense or help with the vibration problem. After reading one of the links just sent, it indicates a bad brake drum could cause vibration.
Sounds like someone did a poor job getting the U joints centered possibly. The brake pulling is almost certainly a bad hose on that side. Master would never do that.
Question, where do you feel the vibration? I felt it everywhere, the seat, the rear window shook, the rear view mirror moved, the steering wheel. At 80 mph it went away.
From: Middle TN by way of KY, OH, VA, IL, CA, FL, NY, SC, HI
Originally Posted by curevette
Thank you for the responses they are very helpful...I suspected the U-joints as I noticed this after they were replaced. Also, I have drum brakes, I had them checked the other day because the car is pulling hard to the left when I hit the brakes. We found that the right front brake is not engaging at all I was told I have a bad master cylinder which may be the cause of brake fluid not getting to the right front wheel. Does this make sense or help with the vibration problem. After reading one of the links just sent, it indicates a bad brake drum could cause vibration.
Forget vibration for now and work on what's important - brakes. This is a first-order safety problem, not a comfort, convenience, or drivability problem.
Who "checked" your brakes and determined "right front not engaging" and "brake fluid not getting to right front?" If the brakes are known to be off, and this is the level of problem finding and resolution (and you drove anywhere since), it smells like the understanding of brake functionality is insufficient to make any conclusions (which affect safety).
Seriously, do not stop, do not pass go, do not collect $200, IMO.
It was suggested as a problem by a tech who stated the master cylinder is leaking, But I can tell you when we have the front end raised on an alignment lift, when I hit the brake, the right front brakes did not engage at all and the wheel kept spinning. You are correct about the safety issue, I am not driving the car.
The vibration is felt in the shifter, not the steering wheel. I suspect the u joint job was not done properly. I have a place close by Fisher Transmission and Driveline Service of NJ who are experts in these matters.
If you have original drum brakes hard pulling in one direction is nearly always, bad adjustment, rubber hose "hour glassing" internally or a leaky wheel cylinder oozing fluid. On rare occasions its a defective or greasy shoe/drum. Always on the side OPPOSITE of the pulling.
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