Strange vibration at 90-100kms - Transmission or Driveshaft ?? Opinions please

[stirringaxe]

Hi Guys, I have noticed what I think might be a drive shaft vibration in my Calais over the past few days.

I notice it only when using the tip-tronic changes & only in 4th & only bewteen 90-100 kms per hour.

The more torgue load you put on, the more it seems to build a harmonic vibration & if I button off it stops.

I have heard people talking about replacing their drive shaft bearings or something similar.

I wonder if it might be that or something going on in the transmission ???

Any ideas or opinions welcome.

[Boonz]

theres a techline out to fix that problem

CONDITION
A driveline vibration may be felt at 80-105 km/h. This condition may occur regardless of the gear selected. Technicians can diagnose the condition by unlocking the torque convertor using Tech 2 and the vibration will still be evident.
This is not to be confused with any other driveline boom or drone at any other vehicle speed.
CAUSE
The propshaft, rear coupling and differential pinion flange may be aligned to create a minor overall level of imbalance. This can be great enough to cause a resonant frequency in the rear sub-frame.
CORRECTION – Vehicles in Production
Vehicles have been fitted with lower tolerance rear couplings from MY10 VE & WM production.
CORRECTION – Vehicles in Service
Summary: After verifying that vehicle has the condition as described above, replace the rear coupling assembly and mandatory replacement bolts.
Replace the rear coupling assembly, ensuring a NEW fastener kit for the propshaft to coupling joint is used –

[stirringaxe]

Thanks for the response Boonz. Certainly seems to fit my situation. I will get the coupling looked at.

[velj]

How much would it cost to fix? Dad was driving my ve the other day and said in the rear end sounded like a voooo voooo like a flat spot sound

[stirringaxe]

Good question, I guess I will find that out soon

[velj]

thanks mate

[RiCeY]

How much would it cost to fix? Dad was driving my ve the other day and said in the rear end sounded like a voooo voooo like a flat spot sound

Could be a wheel bearing making that noise.

[stirringaxe]

ok thanks Ricey will add that to the checklist also

[stirringaxe]

Ok here's an update on my vibration. Have had the front & rear driveshaft couplings checked & they seem ok.

There is however small amounts of sprayed oil residue around centre bearing though ?

The vibration definately seems speed related & only under load.

It is not restricted to 4th gear when using tiptronic as I thought, but does it in auto & in other gears too.

I suspect the centre bearing may be the culprit but I am still not convinced the wheel bearing/s aren't involved yet.

I am inclined to replace the centre bearing first & see what the result is.

I will update you then.

[cal-ay]

other common thing which i had done on mine recently is the torque converter lockup on the calais/sv6 5 speed can often be reason. So may also be worth taking to local auto transmission specialist. if just torque converter replacement and trans service - about 900 bucks including GST.

[stirringaxe]

Ok Auto man added to checklist thanks cal-ay

[calais06]

other common thing which i had done on mine recently is the torque converter lockup on the calais/sv6 5 speed can often be reason. So may also be worth taking to local auto transmission specialist. if just torque converter replacement and trans service - about 900 bucks including GST.

That sounds like an issue I have with mine sometimes when going down a mountain if I use tip-tronic and then put it back into auto, it will drop the gear down and wont shift up until u rev past like 4000rpm

[stirringaxe]

Hi guys, been a while tracking this vibration down. Wasn't anything we discussed at all.
I had the mechanics check all the things suggested in previous posts to no avail. Still did it.
I kept listening to the noise until I pinned it down to the left rear.
The wheel bearings had been checked so I started thinking half shaft universals etc, till my friend said lets have a look ourselves.
So we had a look at everything including a close inspection of the tyres & sure enough the very inside edge of the L/R tyre was bumpy & uneven as you felt around it.
I couldn't believe it after all that time & effort for it to be a delaminated tyre. How basic & how did everyone miss that I thought.
Oh well new tyre fitted, FOR FREE almost a year after purchase, from our local Mag & Turbo outlet. Great guys, wouldn't let me pay even though I was happy to.
After being told that a transmission replacement was on the cards I can tell you I was well pleased to get that problem sorted out.

Thanks for all the help guys.