2000 Vitara vibration 45 and 70mph only

[plncrzy]

ok... drove it all summer with vibration,,, finally took drive shaft off and took it to drive place where they do drive shaft balancing.... they told be that I needed new u-joints, since they didn't have the joints that I needed and they were closed all weekend, I took the shaft home and had two installed today (Saturday), replaced shaft onto vehicle... and now the vibration is "different" in the sense that it seems to vibrate less while accelerating but more when decelerating..... should I now suspect pinion?

[*Kiwi]

No chance the pinion angle is incorrect from an accident or suspension mod? Keeping in mind it should be basically parallel to the transmission axis at normal loaded height. The on/off difference might be due to the pinion angle changing slightly rather than gear or U-joint loading.

U-joints at the exact correct orientation to each other?

Last time I had this sort of problem (on an Xterra) I determined from the speed and noise frequency that it was a rear axle gear mesh problem. Is it a tone or a rumble?

If there was a pinion bearing issue (preload or bearing failure) I would expect a significant amount of ferrous debris to appear in the diff oil.

Did anyone run the vehicle at speed on a lift to check for visible vibrations like a wobble in the drive shaft?

[plncrzy]

Originally Posted by *Kiwi

No chance the pinion angle is incorrect from an accident or suspension mod? Keeping in mind it should be basically parallel to the transmission axis at normal loaded height. The on/off difference might be due to the pinion angle changing slightly rather than gear or U-joint loading.

U-joints at the exact correct orientation to each other?

Last time I had this sort of problem (on an Xterra) I determined from the speed and noise frequency that it was a rear axle gear mesh problem. Is it a tone or a rumble?

If there was a pinion bearing issue (preload or bearing failure) I would expect a significant amount of ferrous debris to appear in the diff oil.

Did anyone run the vehicle at speed on a lift to check for visible vibrations like a wobble in the drive shaft?

yes, there was... local shop had it up on hoist and insisted it was the drive shaft needing balancing as they claimed the shaft was "bouncing" ... however when at the drive shaft balancing shop, they could balance the shaft because the u-joints had a little play in them..... so I replaced the u-joints .. .... maybe the shaft still needs balancing?...

[*Kiwi]

That is certainly a likely problem. The fact that it caught their attention is significant although it could have been a result of the worn U-joints allowing the shaft ends to run slight off-center. I would get it done.

[plncrzy]

Originally Posted by *Kiwi

That is certainly a likely problem. The fact that it caught their attention is significant although it could have been a result of the worn U-joints allowing the shaft ends to run slight off-center. I would get it done.

Thanks

Actually I took the shaft off today and looked at it again.. the rear ujoint was VERY tight.. upon further inspection, I noticed that the garage had put one of the old cir clips back in on one end and a new (thicker) circlip on the other end... that in itself would offset the ujoint.... I think I may have to get Suzuki OEM ujoint to get a proper fit etc.

[plncrzy]

well, I purchased OEM u-joints .... OUCH!!! EXPENSIVE!!.. brought them to the dive shaft balancing place.. they installed and balanced my drive shaft... put it ont he Vitara ... and I still have a vibration... its a lot better than before (less noticeable) ... but still there.... I am getting VERY frustrated... cause its starting to cost me big $$ for this anoying vibration..... Maybe a Suzuki dealer would be able to get down to the bottom of it cause they likely had to deal with it before?

[*Kiwi]

Naturally it would be worth asking the dealer if they have run into this before.

Is there any play at either end of the driveshaft where it plugs into the transfer case/transmission and differential? Just grab the U-joint with a gloved hand and shake.

If both ends are tight about the only thing left is the alignment between the pinion axis and transfer case output shaft axis. If your rear suspension is stock and original it's hard to believe that would an issue.

The rear axle may have a round damper about 1.5" dia hanging off the lower control arm on each side at the rear end (there is on my diesel GV). Check those are in place if there is a fitting for them.

Lastly, another run with wheels off the ground might be worth a shot. Ideally with the back axle on jackstands to keep the suspension loaded normally. I would record the noise with a laptop and try to find the dominate frequency too.

[plncrzy]

had the vitara on stands today... the front shaft has a loose ujoint at the front, not the slip-yoke end. ... anyway... funny how this front shaft spins even when in 2wd.

[peter2008]

The Suzuki Grand Vitara is a compact SUV, namely a long-wheelbase version of the Vitara, produced by the Japanese automaker Suzuki since 1999. It was facelifted in 2002 and 2004, and redesigned in 2006. A rebadged version was sold in North America by General Motors as the Chevrolet Tracker.
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Peter
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[plncrzy]

Well, I solved 98% of the vibration problem... I bought OEM u-joints and replaced the ones ont he front shaft... I cannot feel ANY vibration except that my rear-view mirror is blurred at highway speeds indicating still some vibration...... oh well...