Diveline vibration in front end while turning

Timberwolf530 · Post by **Timberwolf530** » 10 May 2010, 08:35

This just started a few days ago. When I am turning right at speed (20 mph or over), whether it be a hard turn or gradual, I am getting a very slight vibration in the front end. Almost like a buzz that I can feel through the steering wheel. It is barely discernable, but it is definitely there. I can't tell for sure, but it seems more drive line related than suspension. The closest thing I can describe it to, is that it is similar to the frequency of a winshield washer pump. It doesn't do it on left turns, going straight, or when I am turning right while going slow. The second I straighten the wheels coming out of a turn it stops. I jacked it and checked for wheel bearing slop, but there isn't any. The CV boots look ok. I was wondering if this sounds like something drive shaft related, or is it something else?

Post by **JDS60R** » 10 May 2010, 09:35

When I think of the windshield washer pump I think very high pitched. If so, then consider the power steering pump.

From the rest of your description it sounds like a worn drive axle. What mileage do you have?

Timberwolf530 · Post by **Timberwolf530** » 10 May 2010, 10:52

You're right, the washer pump is a higher pitch, but it almost reminds me of an electric motor kind of vibration. I can't really think of anything else that's close. If it was the steering pump, wouldn't it do it turning left or right, and at any speed????? I'm not sure exactly how many miles are on it becuase the odo was broken for about 4-5 mos, but it's probably close to 125,000.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 10 May 2010, 20:41

Pay attention to where the noise / vibration is coming from. When my climate unit blower motor was going bad I got a horrible screech and some vibration when taking a tight corner. In my case it was much worse on right hand turns than on left hand turns fro some reason.

...Lee

Timberwolf530 · Post by **Timberwolf530** » 10 May 2010, 22:23

I hope it's not the blower, I just replaced it 2 mos ago. I'm pretty sure it's coming from the front end, but it's hard to tell if it's the left or right.

Timberwolf530 · Post by **Timberwolf530** » 12 May 2010, 06:08

OK, i had a chance to drive it around a little to better describe the problem. It starts right around 25 mph and over. Under that speed there is no noise at all. It has become a little more pronounced, so it's a little easier to locate. It is definitely coming from the front end, and I'm pretty sure it's from the right side. It doesn't seem like it's coming from the tire, but I can't rule that out completely. Tires are new (2,000 mi) Pirellis. It's more of a humming or buzzing sound, and I can feel it through the steering wheel, although just barely. There is no shaking or vibrating through the chassis or body of the car. It kind of reminds of the sound you would hear if you went over rumble strips that were shallower and closer together than the ones you actually see on the highway.

Timberwolf530 · Post by **Timberwolf530** » 13 May 2010, 05:54

Am I the first person to ever have this problem???????? I would think someone has experienced this before.

Phaeton · Post by **Phaeton** » 13 May 2010, 07:42

I had same problem, it was the right drive axle. The boot had been torn for a while and a lot of dirt got inside. Needless to say it had to be replaced.

hollywood953 · Post by **hollywood953** » 13 May 2010, 13:04

it sounds very much like a drive axle. There are several posts about this but none as specific as yours. Do you feel any play in the right front? Either wheel or axle? Can you shake the tire in and out and feel a catch of any type?

Timberwolf530 · Post by **Timberwolf530** » 14 May 2010, 09:39

Well, I'm pretty sure I isolated the problem to the left wheel bearing. I had it jacked last time I changed oil and that's when I checked the wheels for slop. On the advice of Mike from FCP, I jacked it again last night and checked, and sure enough there was play this time. I ordered the parts from them today, along with some other stuff. Hey, I had to get my free shipping right? Mike was a great help. This isn't the first time I've ordered from them, and definitely won't be the last.