Hi everyone,

I recieved this car from my dad a couple months ago as a graduation present. Ever since I can remember I can feel a strong vibration specially in 3rd, I know this because it is most prominent when I drive the car manual. I've told different people about it and most say its the engine mounts. I don't think its the engine mounts because the vibration is during 3rd gear. Anyone know what this could be? Any help would be nice.

-Andy

 

I would start with the simple stuff first. Balance all for tires and check for uneven wear, second , check mounts, third, bent drive shaft , fourth , transmission issue

 

Thanks will do. Any idea how much for engine mounts?

 

Engine mounts
Transmission mounts
Flex discs

 

I would start with the transmission mount. Most common failure, cheapest fix.

 

While 3rd gear may be the most prominent vibration point, carefully drive the car staying in one gear through the RPM range. Look for engine vibration at a particular RPM, regardless of ground speed. It may be that 3rd gear for you is just the sweet spot for torque, RPM, load, ground speed, etc. to produce excessive vibration. While the previous posts are all valid, something is causing vibration. A bad mount, in and of itself, does not produce vibration (assuming the engine is the cause). You can have bad mounts with a smooth engine and not know it. Flex Disks - definitely - if the vibration occurs at a particular ground speed, regardless of transmission gear.
Cheers,
Jeff

 

I have a 2004 S430 4matic that was experiencing a similar issue. There is a tendency for the right rear tire to wear excessively on these models if you don't rotate properly. When this happens the difference in treadwear throws the drive train off balance putting additional stress on the transfer case. The transfer case creates a vibration, in my case was somewhere around the same gear. I changed my tires and the vibration went away.

 

failing engine/transmission mounts typically generate vibration in the 15K-20K RPM, and it comes with a deep sounding noise like a big dog growl.

 

The failed transmission mount on my S430 gave intermittent vibration at almost any engine speed, with the sound varying depending upon how much throttle was applied.

In your case, I am assuming that you meant a vibration range of 1500 - 2000 rpm, and not 15,000 - 20,000...

 

Thanks for the correction, I indeed meant 1.5K-2.0K

 

Had a vibration as soon as I touched the gas pedal. Would feel it at different speeds under acceleration but the weird thing was it seemed to go away after the was warmed up and that was throwing me for a loop...Took a chance at the transmission mount and replace it. Man it's like driving a new car again. So smooth !!

 

Also check the drive shaft(s) for play. I had vibrations in my car and it turned out to be the front drive shaft. The U joint bearings seized then went into self destruct.