I am experiencing a light to moderate vibration from my car (2001 ap1) when accelerating. Its only when accelerating and would go away as soon as you let off the gas or put into neutral. The vibration starts after 2500-3000rpm and is more noticeable as you accelate harder all throughout the entire rpm regardless of speed or gear. I just had all four tires rebalanced this morning and the vibration is still there. The tires are only about 3 months old and have less than 5k miles to them. I don't think it is anything to do with the alignment or transmission because the vibration feels like its coming more from the rear of the car rather than the front. The steering wheel would vibrate some but only at its worst. The shifter experiences no vibration so I would rule out anything to do with the drivetrain. I've also ruled out wheel balance to be a factor cause because I've just got them realligned. Other possibilities could be the driveshaft (because I just got the clutch done), but it just started vibrating and the clutch was done almost 2 months ago so if it were to be the driveshaft being unbalanced during reassembly wouldn't it be noticeable right from the beginning? I've also read in another post that it could possibly be the cv joints? Has anyone had any similar problems or would know of the reasons pertaining to this cause. Its only been about 3 days since the vibration started but it more noticeable now so I think the vibration is escalating. Any feedback would be more than appreciated. Thanks.

 

My bet is that it's your rear inner CV joints.

My car did the exact same thing and it was the CV joints. Is it worse when you turn one direction while accelerating, like on a freeway onramp? If so, you can almost guarantee it's the CV joint and that side is worse.

There's a TSB for just such a problem and most of the older cars have experienced this. If you search you'll find lots of posts about it. You can:
1--have them replaced. the parts are about $250 per side. I just had this done under warranty and the total bill was $1050.
2--swap the CV joints side to side on your own. The opposite face of the bearing housing will be used, so there won't be vibration unless you drive in reverse. This is free, but requires you to have some technical skill.
3--just drive it like that. I drove mine for 2 years that way. It slowly got worse, but I got to where I didn't notice it so much.

Good luck,
JASON

 

If this phenomenom has occurred only recently, and you just installed new tires, I suspect that one or more of your new tires are defective (this is not unusual for some brands). Even though they have been balanced, if they are not perfectly round, you will notice vibrations at various speeds. I have had good luck with premium tire brands (Bridgestone and Michelin), but have experienced many "out-of-round" tires from lesser brands. What tires did you put on?

 

 

I have the new falken 452's wrapped around 18's, staggered. I don't know much of the quality of these tires but I've only had them on for about 3 months and they are wearing down quick. They are less than 50% tread and I do normal driving only and mostly highway at higher speeds. I'm not sure what the heat rating are on the tires but I still find it rather disappointing to have 3 month old/approx. 5k miles already at 50% life. I hope nobody gets these. I will soon upgrade to something better and hopefully the vibration will be gone then. Also started today, the vibration seem to have lessen. I don't know why but I did put on a few hard pulls on the highway. Now I'm not sure what it could be anymore. The vibration was almost gone. Whatever it was, as long as it goes away and does not come back I will be ok with that, but as of now it is still there just not as bad anymore. Strange... Thanks for the info about the tires indymac.

 

It's inner CV's. Tire vibrations don't go away under decel.

 

I have notice that it is worst at times and getting better than it comes back again. I'm not sure if this could be associated with the cv joints, although I'm hoping thats what it is because I fear it would be my differential or anything involved. I could do with cv joints but would hate to replace rear diff.

 

the car just turned 47k miles and have only been doing it for about 250 miles.

 

Did when I got new tires and balance

 

thanks a lot for the help everyone! with your help i was able to find some additional information and swapped the cv joints today. piece of cake and I even reused the old straps. drives like new again for now. thank guys!