'95 Stratus vibrates at any speed...

[spiderfan63]

I've recently noticed that there is a vibration no matter what speed I am going that has that feeling like I'm driving on a flat tire. In fact, I actually pulled over to check the front drivers side tire to see if it was flat... and it wasn't. The car seems to be kind of sluggish when accelerating. I've inspected the CV boots and they appear fine. Can anyone offer any suggestions as to what might be happening? Thanks, Eric

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[B_52]

First step I always take is to get to a tire shop and have them rebalanced. Often you will find that you threw a weight somehow. While there, have them check the tires for flat spots (from locking up your brakes).
Beyond that, I can only think of two other possibilities. Bad CV joints, or loose wheel bearings.
Maybe someone else has more clues to look into?


V

[spiderfan63]

Thanks for the tip about the bearings... I pulled the tire and tried to see if there was any play but it all felt solid. Is there any way to (at home) check for and find possible problems with the bearings, ball joints, tie rods, etc.? I'm getting ready to just take it into a shop to see what they can find out but I'm not sure that I'll like what they quote me to fix it.

Thanks,
Eric

[B_52]

Not sure how to test CV’s , Mine simply started making noise, so I replaced them(not my Strat). But bearings can be checked with the tire on the car. Reach under the fender well, and grab the top of the tire. Pull hard (like trying to pull the top out of the well), back and forth a several times. Do this to each tire. If you have loose bearings, you will feel/hear the tire “clunk� “clunk� “clunk� as it rocks on the bearings and spindle. Normally there should be no loose sensation felt or heard. If you notice a slight clunk, you might try simply tightening the bearings. If the clunk is pronounced, you will need to consider replacement.

Because you say the vibration happens at all speed, I’m not inclined to think tie rod ends or ball joints just yet. I’d got through the items that actually rotate first.

2 cents
Vince

[tomthedog]

how to test cv's: find a big empty parking lot, start going from big to smaller circles. the inside wheel will start making noise before the outside wheel. this only checks the cv near the wheel, not next to the tranny.

if you tossed a wheel weight you should be able to look at your wheel and see if there is a "dirt ring" where the old one was (check on the inbord side of the wheel too). most of the time weights aren't needed untill 25+mph.

to check ball joints look under the front bumper at the steering links while someone rocks your steering wheel back and forth 1-2" several times. you should notice if the links move and the wheels do not. hope this helps. good luck.