Bad Vibrations
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Hamilton Ontario
Bad Vibrations
Hello all, I am new to this forum and new to the world of the Corvette. I have had my C3 for about 2 months and it needs a bunch of work, I am sure like many. My vette has developed a low speed vibration which I can feel through the steering wheel and in the seat. It almost feels like the car is running over small rumble strips on the road. It begins to develop as I get close to 40 kph (Canadian Eh!) just as the car shifts (3 speed auto - original tranny with 145,000k) from 2nd to 3rd. It is like the car is in too low of a gear for that speed. The vibration continues through 40 kph and disappears as I approah 50 kph. When I am slowing down the vibration re-appears as I slow thru that speed range again. Tried to reproduce the vibration in neutral at the RPM range of 12-1500 but no luck. Is this a tranny problem, I know the kilometers are high, but shifts well and the fluid is cherry red. Anyone have any thoughts before I spend my dough at the transmission shop? Thanks.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Hamilton Ontario
Thanks, no disrespect, but it seems to me that 40-50 kph is a bit slow for a tire balancing problem. I have had tire balancing issues in the past and it usually shows up around 100 kph (60 mpg). Since it's an inexpensive fix, I may try this route just to rule it out. I started to suspected bearings, but, bearing issues usually show up when cornering and bearings usually have a distinctive sound and they get worse. Any other thoughts?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 943
Likes: 15
From: Valdosta Georgia
Pro
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 650
Likes: 1
Find a shop that does an "on car" wheel balance. That way the whole rotating assembly get's balanced. You will never go back to a discount tire store again. Costs a little more, but more than worth it.
Before doing that, you should check your front/rear suspension for worn components. Check tie rod ends, ball joints and for unusual wear on your tires.
Also, make sure the car is aligned well.
Good luck.
Before doing that, you should check your front/rear suspension for worn components. Check tie rod ends, ball joints and for unusual wear on your tires.
Also, make sure the car is aligned well.
Good luck.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 4
From: Somers CT
Find a shop that does an "on car" wheel balance. That way the whole rotating assembly get's balanced. You will never go back to a discount tire store again. Costs a little more, but more than worth it.
Before doing that, you should check your front/rear suspension for worn components. Check tie rod ends, ball joints and for unusual wear on your tires.
Also, make sure the car is aligned well.
Good luck.
Before doing that, you should check your front/rear suspension for worn components. Check tie rod ends, ball joints and for unusual wear on your tires.
Also, make sure the car is aligned well.
Good luck.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Hamilton Ontario
I know there are some worn suspension parts. The car goes in to a corvette specialty shop near me for a new composite spring and trailing arms in two weeks. The front ball joints are good but some other components need to be refreshed. The owner before me let this car go. I will look into having the wheels balanced "on the car" not sure where to find one these days. Will also look into the idler arm bushings too. Probably better to just get a complete bushing kit and do the whole front end I guess. Im surprised no one thinks this is a tranny issue. Why not the transmission?
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Michael S. Palmer
Pro
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 650
Likes: 1
Hey man, many variables at work here that may be causing this.
To substantiate your theory try this simple test:
Drive the car up to speed until you are experiencing your vibration. Put the trans in N and see if you still experience the vibration. If you still do, then this is NOT driveline related and the suspension and wheels need to be investigated. If the vibration continues then investigate the driveline.
One and done.
Good luck.
To substantiate your theory try this simple test:
Drive the car up to speed until you are experiencing your vibration. Put the trans in N and see if you still experience the vibration. If you still do, then this is NOT driveline related and the suspension and wheels need to be investigated. If the vibration continues then investigate the driveline.
One and done.
Good luck.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 5
From: Japan
Like others have already said I would sort out the suspension first before moving on to another can of worms...rear wheel bearings are the Achilles' heel of these cars and if your tires need balancing loose suspension parts will only magnify what you are feeling through the seat or the steering wheel. You could get under the car and grab the front yoke to see if maybe the tailshaft bushing is worn out...if anything else is wrong with the tranny it would pretty much have to come out of the car to get fixed.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 860
Likes: 0
From: Stratford Ontario
Welcome to the forum good to see another Canadian eh. Your problem is definately a balance problem if it stays at same rpm range. Finding where can be a PITA. Welcome and pics would be great.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Hamilton Ontario
Just took the car out and tried to go thru the vibration range on a smooth down hill run. Shifted the trans into neutral and let the car build up speed, sure enough there it was. Thanks for the tip to help rule out the tranny. Will have the wheels re-balanced and check or replace the idler arm too since there is some free play in the wheel. Hopefully this will fix, if not I will get the alignment redone when the rear spring & trailing arms get replaced. Will let this forum know what happens after the work is complete. Any other suggestions? I am open to all. Thanks again guys, really appreciate your collective knowledge and input. Cheers, Scott
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,839
Likes: 45
From: nassau co. new york
my half shaft passenger wheel side yoke u joint was running with ground up needle bearings.i could not feel any play while they were on the car.i had a similar vibration issue.tires were 10 years old and would not balance properly either.did the driveline phasing thing and now i drive vibration free.(like a log truck)
