Good (actually bad) Vibrations

[FLYBYU]

I just got a 2003 Chevy Venture van. This forum seems really informative and I was hoping you guys could help me out with a problem I have with my van. I've put about 1500kms on it and ever since I got it on Monday I have a slight vibration in the front end at 70kmph and 110kmph (sorry about all the metric stuff). I thought the wheels might be out of balance so I had all four wheels rebalanced and had the tires rotated. I still have the vibration though. It isn't that bad, the mirror on the driver's side this vibrates a bit. I think the alignment is okay because the van tracks really good and dosen't wander on the highway or anything, but I could be wrong about that, any ideas?

[jrdwyer]

Let me guess, you have General Tires that came original with the van?

We have such tires and there is some limited (but noticable) vibration at around 40 mph. The dealer wouldn't help even when the tires were fairly new becuause it is a tire manufacturing issue. On our van, all rotations were done and alignment is correct. So to sum it up, the General OE tires on the GM minivans are of low quality.

I read in the news that General was closing a tire plant in the south. Probably the one that makes these OE tires for the GM minivan plant that is also scheduled to close.

I can't wait to get some new Michelin or Goodyear tires installed and have a smooth ride again at all speeds!

[FLYBYU]

It actually has new tires all the way around, and I actually don't recall what brand they are. I imagine the are of low quality though, because the dealer but them on prior to sale and they usually don't use the best stuff. So you may be on to something there. Thanks for the reply!

[pastaben]

I put new tires, new wheels for the same problem. I had front rotors and pads put on, and it didn't do it. The next thing I may try are the rear drums. I've had the suspension checked out, and the mechanics, dealers all say that my struts, shocks, mounts are okay. I'm just going to go through w/ the rear drums first, and then change the front strut cartridges, tie rod ends...the more expensive may be warped drive axles.

[corning_d3]

Could possibly be a bad inner CV joint. Does it change when hitting dips in the road? Does it get worse during hard acceleration?

[FLYBYU]

The vibration only occurs at a steady speed, first at 70kmph and then around 100-110kmph. Not around corners or anything, it could be a bad CV joint though, I'll have to look into it. Thanks!

[jrdwyer]

We just got some new Goodyear Assurance Triple Treads installed yesterday and the van rides much better. The vibration around 40 mph is gone and the ride is noticably quieter. In fact, it is so quiet that I now notice other noises like tranny shifts, engine ping (probably due to carbon build-up from mostly low speed driving), and a strange low-speed sound from the steering column area. Oh well, I have taken the attitude of making this van better instead of selling it.

Also, we did not have an alignment done with the new tires, but it tracks very straight nonetheless.

[pastaben]

I have a similar vibration on my99 venture. I've changed tie rod ends, lower ball joints, struts and mounts, sway bar links.
Only thing yet to change are rear shocks, rear drums, and then front rotors (in that order).
I do notice in tight turns, turning right, that I feel a pulsating feeling, as if a wheel/tire were out of round. Except I had gone through two sets of new tires and one new set of wheels, and they didn't do the trick.
I do think I have two problems, however. One I am pretty sure is either the rotors or the drums, since when I brake, it amplifies the pulsation.
At steady speeds, my cd cases in the door pockets vibrate, and mirrors and arm rests all resonate to the vibration.
However, when I'm doing tight right hand turns, I feel that slight up and down pulsation. Any ideas?
Thanks

[maxwedge]

Old thread here, but I'd look into a drive axle problems here, make sure all the trans mounts are good too, this can cause axle issues also.

[pastaben]

argh...thanks. I did think of that, but didn't want to think it because that seems so much more costly. I'll get to it, though.

[Booch]

also, check to make sure your brake rotors aren't warped....

[lesterl]

4.5 year old thread, but inspect wheel bearings also..... while driving down a safe street if you hear a noise as you rock the wheel back and forth about 35mph only one direction...... well ya might have a bad one......