Vibration Saga

FormerlyBankNote4x4 · **Posted:** Mon Oct 19, 2009 4:39 pm

I have been trying to figure out my vibration issue for a month now.
I could use some advice on where to go from here!

Symptoms:
Feels like the left front tire is bouncing at slow speeds.
At 27 mph the whole Jeep vibrates like it’s the drive line or tires, both accelerating and decelerating(with or without the torque converter engaged)
At 60+ mph the front vibrates (felt more in the steering wheel) and some slight pulling with light braking at 70+ mph
No clicking turning the wheel
Possible roar from front left area
Seems like it is better when cold(first started driving) and gets worse when hot (after driving awhile)

What I’ve done so far:
New rotors/pads all the way around, new brake fluid, new calipers in the rear (but I didn’t need them)
New struts and shocks
New front wheel bearing hubs
New U-joints and balanced the rear drive shaft
New rear axle bearing seals
Added 2 tubes of Lube Guard shudder fix
Replaced front diff oil- it was perfect and not needed
Checked cv axles- they barely move up and down, and just a little in and out
The left cv axle metal can at the differential side is darkened from grease/oil all the way outward until ¼” to the rubber boot
Had Tires Plus do an alignment
The tires have ~14k miles on them
Had Discount Tires balance and check the tires twice
I checked the tires and wheels- 3 are slightly out of round measuring from the front or rear on the tire( the road contacting part) but within FSM specs for tolerance – the left front being the worst then the left rear then the right rear and the right front is just fine
The sides are fine
Wheels look fine
I rotated the tires 2 different times with 2 different tires in the front left- no change in the symptoms
My transmission fluid has been way over filled for ~1 ½ years
The tranny fluid doesn’t have that sweet smell it used to- but it doesn’t smell burnt or look discolored either
Checked the motor mounts: the right side I could get a bar on the bottom nut it was pretty darn tight, but the rest all I could do is pull on them with a stubby open end wrench- they seem tight and the mounts look fine
Checked fuel system pressure is at 4psi(what the Kennedy is rated for)- I haven’t primed to see if there is air in the head

Here’s what I think I should do:
Check for air in the fuel filter head
Remove the left front cv axle, put in a temporary bolt to keep the bearing clamped, and drive it.
If not, remove the right cv axle.
Then remove the front drive shaft
If at that point it is still having an issue, replace the cv’s and front drive shaft and
Put it in 4 wheel drive, Pull the rear drive shaft, and see if that indicates where the issue is

After all that I would:
Check the rear diff for wear on the gears
Change the transmission fluid and filter's

CATCRD · **Posted:** Mon Oct 19, 2009 4:43 pm

I don't see the ball joints checked in your list.

warp2diesel · **Posted:** Mon Oct 19, 2009 6:41 pm

...is for rolling by hand only, not driving.

RJM · **Posted:** Mon Oct 19, 2009 10:09 pm

Seperated ply in one of the tires? may not show up on a balance, rotate your tires and see if the Vibe moves, if it does you have found your problem.

RJM · **Posted:** Mon Oct 19, 2009 10:14 pm

I see you have tried that ( didn't read the whole post ) The symptoms sound just the same as what I had, and it turned out to be a seperated ply on the front left.

FormerlyBankNote4x4 · **Posted:** Mon Oct 19, 2009 11:05 pm

Right, I did check the ball joints- no movement.
Leaving work tonight I turned the wheels to the right and pulled away.
I heard a scuff/crunch from the left front tire area.
I'm thinking it's the cv joint. I'll have to check tomorrow night.

FormerlyBankNote4x4 · **Posted:** Tue Oct 20, 2009 8:20 am

From the 2005 Liberty Parts Schematic I got online:
It looks like the CV Axles for the CRD are the same as the 2.4L 4 cylinder gas.
(when I tried to copy and paste the page, page 37, it makes it too hard to read.)

Glend · **Posted:** Tue Oct 20, 2009 5:26 pm

I would not jump to conclude that it is the CV just yet. It appears from your signature that you do not have a lift thus potential CV problems are rare events. If you do have a lift, and can confirm a CV problem then one of JBAs replacement CVs on that side might be a good swap. Shaved CVs on that side are really only for lifted vehicles (probably more than 2" of lift).

I'd start with a list of possible faults; like the strut bolts being loose or under torqued, a leaking strut assembly, ball joints, clevis bolts, etc.

FormerlyBankNote4x4 · **Posted:** Tue Oct 20, 2009 9:45 pm

I just put new struts on it and I didn't torque the mount nut under the brake distributer! Every thing else was properly torqued. In fact I didn't really get that much on it :oops:

I'll get it tight, and hope that solves it

FormerlyBankNote4x4 · **Posted:** Wed Oct 21, 2009 12:43 am

I Tightened the tough to get at left strut mount nut with a stubby open end rachet, put one of the other nuts on top of it to hold it in place, and with a long steel pipe and 4 lb sledge, pounded the torque into it, re-torqued the other 3 (they turned a bit before hitting 100 ft/lbs), and Thank You Everyone!!!
That seemed to be the main problem. I still have a little vibration at 27 mph, more so on decel with tc disengaged, but sooooo much better. I'm going to re-torque the other side tomorrow.

Thanks guys- I hope to repay my debt to LOST eventually!

Vibration Saga

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