zmweaver

I just purchased a 98 3.2TL with 73K and have discovered a vibration from the engine.

Shimmy is the best term for the vibration because the motion from the engine seems to be side-to-side. The shimmy happens almost exclusively between 1300rpm and 1500rpm. It is barely noticable when accelerating through 1300-1500rpm from a stop. However, when I press the gas very slightly (just enough to maintain a constant speed at 50-55 mph, between 1300 and 1500rpm in overdrive), it will shimmy. It also shimmys every time I come to a stop and the rpms fall through the 1500-1300 range. It almost feels like the motor wants to stall, but it happens very quickly, then becomes perfectly smooth from 1300 down to idle at 600rpm (and idles perfectly). If I put the transmission in park or neutral and rev the engine to between 1300 and 1500rpm, I can reproduce a milder version of the shimmy. I have not visually inspected my motor mounts, but the motor does not move much when I punch it in park. How can you rule out motor mounts if none of them are busted? Any and all suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

Nicholas426

I have a '97 3.2TL that has a similar problem or I would say a condition. Since my car was new it has always had a small vibration at 1450 rpm. It is hardly noticable when driving. But, while the car is stopped and in neutral, if I hold the gas steady at that rpm I can feel the car vibrating more noticably.

When it was new and under warranty I took it to the dealer for this problem, of course they said they could'nt reproduce the vibration. I figured if anything happened I now had something in writing. Today, the car has 135k miles on it and nothing has happened to engine.

The vibration that I have does not sound as drastic as your vibration. I really don't notice it while driving or under hard acceleration. My wife drives the car alot and she has never mentioned it.

I always thought it was an unbalanced crankshaft, but what do I know, I'm not a mechanic.

zmweaver

Thank you Nicholas,

While you have confirmed my worst fear, your description is right on point. I'm sure I am blowing this situation out of proportion, but as a former mechanic/technician, this mild vibration sticks out like a sore thumb. Especially when coupled with an otherwise ultra-smooth ride quality. As much as I love this car, I think I will get something else. The worst part is, this vehicle looks brand freaking new and has less than 73K miles. The previous owner was also an engineer, and he was anal about maintenance and detailing the vehicle. Under the hood, everything is sqeeky clean. The motor, hoses, battery, air-filter box.... everything. As anal as he was about maintaining the vehicle, he never noticed the vibration either.