intermittent problem
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intermittent problem
I have a 2000 ramvan 1500 with 83000 miles and V6. It just started have an intermittent vibration when driving about 65 mph. I slow down to around 40 mph it stops. I speed back up and it seems to be fine. Last time it did this I put the van in neutral and the vibration continued. In searching through this forum I was wondering if I could be having a problem with my torque converter clutch. The vibration is not severe but just enough to shake the coins in my ashtray. I recently took a mechanic friend on a 20 mile road trip and it didn't act up. Anyone have any suggestions?
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Nope, once you shifted into neutral and the vibration continued you eliminated the TC or it's clutch as the source. Your problem is either the driveshaft, a rim, a shock, a bad or unbalanced tire.
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Nashville
On our vans, the front brake discs have inner and outer wheel bearings. What you described sounds like one of the bearing sets is bad.
If you have the time you will need to take the front wheels off, take the brake calipers off, remove the outer bearings, remove the front discs, turn the discs over and remove the inner bearings. Next put in new bearings and pack with high-temp viscous wheel bearing grease and reassemble. Each wheel side would take about 1-1/2 for the typical garage Joe. Total cost would be under $100 with parts and grease from NAPA. A garage will charge you over $300.
If you have the time you will need to take the front wheels off, take the brake calipers off, remove the outer bearings, remove the front discs, turn the discs over and remove the inner bearings. Next put in new bearings and pack with high-temp viscous wheel bearing grease and reassemble. Each wheel side would take about 1-1/2 for the typical garage Joe. Total cost would be under $100 with parts and grease from NAPA. A garage will charge you over $300.
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i have been checking for anything loose on my van. jacked it up and tried to see if i had any play in the front wheels and also looked at tie rods I cant seem to find anything loose. could a bad ball joint cause an intermittent vibration? the vibration almost seems like driving on rumble strips. I have taken a lot of short trips with no problems and then out of the blue it will start vibrating.
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Yes I did eventually find the problem. It was my right front brake caliper sticking and heating up the disc and wheel to the point of wheel bearing grease leaking out(that how I figured it out). Replaced the caliper and it has been fine ever since.