Subanew Posted February 8, 2006 Share Posted February 8, 2006 This is a first-timer posting with a call for advice. This forum seems to have a good deal of knowledgable people on it, so if you could offer some help, please do! I just started looking into taking care of my car myself, after getting shafted with ridiculous bills for car service. So, assume I know next to nothing. My problem: My 98 Legacy has been vibrating on the highway, ie at speeds over 60, but only intermittently. I can't figure out what causes this. The engine still works, but gets slightly sluggish. The vibration is a deep hum that is significantly louder than normal, and I can feel my car vibrating, and see the rearview mirror shaking. This has happened twice now, and I'm starting to get concerned. Each time, I've pulled out at the next exit, looked at my car to see any obvious things. I pulled and released the parking break, backed up a bit, and then drove on my merry way with no more problems for 20 miles (the rest of the way to work). I notice the sound/vibration specifically when going up and over Afton Mountain. At my last oil change (1000 miles ago) they suggested I replace the differentials and examine the transmission, but they wanted to charge a good deal more money for such service, which, since I'm almost to my 90k anyway, I thought I'd hold out for since it didn't seem pressing. So, adivce? Like I said, assume I know nothing, such as what exactly my differentials do. Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tcspeer Posted February 8, 2006 Share Posted February 8, 2006 I would go to a good tire shop and have the tires balanced, and have them check for a seperated belt on one of the tires. This is a first-timer posting with a call for advice. This forum seems to have a good deal of knowledgable people on it, so if you could offer some help, please do! I just started looking into taking care of my car myself, after getting shafted with ridiculous bills for car service. So, assume I know next to nothing. My problem: My 98 Legacy has been vibrating on the highway, ie at speeds over 60, but only intermittently. I can't figure out what causes this. The engine still works, but gets slightly sluggish. The vibration is a deep hum that is significantly louder than normal, and I can feel my car vibrating, and see the rearview mirror shaking. This has happened twice now, and I'm starting to get concerned. Each time, I've pulled out at the next exit, looked at my car to see any obvious things. I pulled and released the parking break, backed up a bit, and then drove on my merry way with no more problems for 20 miles (the rest of the way to work). I notice the sound/vibration specifically when going up and over Afton Mountain. At my last oil change (1000 miles ago) they suggested I replace the differentials and examine the transmission, but they wanted to charge a good deal more money for such service, which, since I'm almost to my 90k anyway, I thought I'd hold out for since it didn't seem pressing. So, adivce? Like I said, assume I know nothing, such as what exactly my differentials do. Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zyewdall Posted February 8, 2006 Share Posted February 8, 2006 They wanted to replace the differential fluid, or the actual differentials? The differentials are the things that allow the two wheels on different sides to turn at different speeds when you go around a curve. The back one is easy to see under the back of the car inbetween the wheels -- the bulbous thing the two axles and the driveshaft all go into. The front one is inside the transmission. I second the suggestion to have the tires checked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beezer Posted February 9, 2006 Share Posted February 9, 2006 Like already mentioned I would check the tires first, ie. tire pressure, balance alignment. My other thought is wheel bearings. My car needs new bearings and tie rod ends and I will get intermittent vibration in the wheel at highway speeds. Axles can also transmit some vibration into the steering wheel as well. I would jack the front of the car up and the grab the tire at 12:00 and 6:00 and try and wiggle it in and out. There shouldn't be any movement, if there is, replace the bearings. I would look at the tie rod ends and balljoints too. For the axles take a look to see if the boots are torn or are showing sign of leaking grease. Getting a trans. flush and all the ordinary tune up stuff is always a good idea. Good luck Beezer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jp.in.vt Posted February 9, 2006 Share Posted February 9, 2006 If you feel the vibration in the steering wheel then one of your front tires is bad, so put the spare tire on the passenger side to check this theory. if vibration is less noticeable then plan to replace tire, if no change then put spare on driver's side. If you don't feel the vibration in the steering wheel then put the spare on the rear passenger side... etc... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atinder Posted February 9, 2006 Share Posted February 9, 2006 I had this exact problem, as you describe it, with my '99 Outback wagon. I had the tires balanced and it took care of it completely. Good luck - Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subanew Posted February 10, 2006 Author Share Posted February 10, 2006 Thanks for the advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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