Incredible shaking over 40mph

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Incredible shaking over 40mph

Postby Mikee » Thu 18.12.2014, 06:54

Hi all,

I'd been hearing a clicking type noise coming on and off the accelerator for a few weeks, then I heard a bigger click/snap and when I got onto the main road up to about 40 the most incredible shaking of the car under acceleration. Real side to side Shake felt through the seats, steering and was visible probably from the outside.

Seems at 20-30 it's ok, but under load and up to and over 40 it feels like the car will shake to pieces! It's eases down when I come off the accelerator, but returns immediately when I put my foot down again.

Checked the rear wheel bearings and this seemed to help, but only temporarily...

Help? Thoughts? Driveshaft?

Mike
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Re: Incredible shaking over 40mph

Postby Megwenda » Thu 18.12.2014, 08:05

Sounds like driveshaft CV joints to me
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Re: Incredible shaking over 40mph

Postby tweetdriver63 » Thu 18.12.2014, 10:09

Does it feel like it's from the engine or from something in the suspension/steering? I ask because I recall having a similar experience (although I don't remember the clicking sound) and it was being caused by fuel. If I'm remembering it right (old age at 51?), the problem started with the charcoal canister going bad, which allowed charcoal into the fuel lines in both directions -- in one direction it clogged the fuel filter, and in the other direction it clogged the injectors and messed up the fuel press regulator. It ran ok when the accelerator wasn't pushed in much, but then somewhere around 40, or when the pedal was more seriously stepped on, it shook apart.
Chris
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Re: Incredible shaking over 40mph

Postby Jamie N » Thu 18.12.2014, 10:35

Description tallies with a common issue with the Honda's I work on Mike, Inner CV bearings breaking up and what you describe mimics exactly how that feels, horrendous vibration under load.
First thing I would recommend is get the car up and give the shafts a good shake, any damage should be apparent, like Dave said could also be the outer CV joint breaking up, if it is driveshaft related its not a major problem, easy job provided you have / can get replacements.
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Re: Incredible shaking over 40mph

Postby rip » Thu 18.12.2014, 12:47

Megwenda wrote:Sounds like driveshaft CV joints to me

+1
When my CV joint wore, it was exactly as described.
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Re: Incredible shaking over 40mph

Postby Mikee » Thu 18.12.2014, 19:33

Thanks all.
Assuming it is as diagnosed, Is it a relatively simple fix (parts aside)...?
Or should I send it to Gerald (3hours drive).

Mike
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Re: Incredible shaking over 40mph

Postby Megwenda » Thu 18.12.2014, 19:49

I have never done it, but it seems simple enough in the service manual

Also, look at THIS THREAD

good luck

mfG
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Re: Incredible shaking over 40mph

Postby Ian T » Thu 18.12.2014, 21:34

Yes, straight forward job, once you have the parts. You will need axle stands, a trolley jack normal tool kit and a ball joint separator, plus whatever size long reach socket the drive shaft hub nut is and a longish bar to turn it. Haven't done the job on the Elan it have on countless other cars. :)

Good diagnosis, last time it happened to me was on a Vectra 2.2 - really alarming shaking developing at normal A road speeds but not immediately when cold, then once it had done it, still evident at 30mph.

Don't drive it any more like that as it will destroy your gearbox if you are unlucky. :(
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Re: Incredible shaking over 40mph

Postby Mikee » Fri 19.12.2014, 13:51

Thanks all,

Parked it in the garage. Will get it sorted in early Jan.
Going out to buy a temporary golf mk5 gti now.

Mike
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Re: Incredible shaking over 40mph

Postby chrisP » Fri 19.12.2014, 16:35

Yep I would say check the drive shafts and also the bracket where the half shaft bolts onto the block, mine came loose and made a massive bang.
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