Slight vibrating while accelerating

[dudders Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close dudders]

Hi guys, I just bought a 2006 Grande (love it to bits), its stock standard, but not for long.
I have one question - while I am accelerating I can feel a very slight vibration through the steering wheel. It doesnt happen when I power off, could it be coming from the transmission perhaps? Is it common? - oops, 2 questions.
regards
Tony
PS - great, helpful site you all have here.

[Bazza Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bazza]

G'day,
It could be any number of things, but in my case it turned out to be rear LSD. Toyota LSD's are known for not being the greatest. They say they replaced the oil, and the problem went away, allthough I think it's currently on it's way back. Time to fit an air locker I think.
Bazza.

[dudders Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close dudders]

Thanks heaps Bazza, I may have to look into these "air lockers", I'm not a serious off roader, so not sure if I can justify them.
Cheers.

[waltec Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close waltec]

Hi Tony
As Bazza said could be a number of things but it won't be the LSD, Grandes don't have an LSD as they have traction control. How many ks has it done, TD or V6?? I'd suggest at least having a look at your ATF (Auto Transmission Fluid) but unless the fluid looks very fresh, I'd be starting with a fluid flush, especially as you have just purchased it, and probably don't have a good history of the car, worst case if it doesn't fix the problem at least you know the condition of the ATF. I have a 2003 TD Grande, I'm currently running Synthetic ATF, with mineral fluid I found that as I got close to the 40k service I could notice the auto deteriating (shifts not as smooth, hesitant, holding gears longer. Not bad but noticable) Fluid change, and alls good for another 35k. At 200k my mechanic tried using Synthetic ATF, by 240k the auto had dropped off a little, but no where near as bad as the mineral, again replaced it and going great again. I feel it's cheap insurance replacing the ATF every 40k!

Good luck and keep us informed.

Matt

PS hows the weather there?? I'm over there for a couple of weeks work early Nov, I'm usually there in late Dec for the Cricket, so bit earlier this year.

[dudders Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close dudders]

Hi Matt, that's very interesting news. I have the V6 motor, its done 70,000kms with a good service history. I did notice that when its cold it kind of holds onto first gear a little, but other than that not bad.
Would I need to take it into a service center to get the tranny fluid changed or could I do it myself? Mind you I am not that fantastic at mechanics!
The weather in Perth is getting better - perfect time of year to see the wild flowers (I know, sounds a bit gay, but they really are an amazing sight).
Thanks again for your help, the synthetic ATF will go in as soon as I can.
CHeers.

[Madkore Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Madkore]

Could be engine mounts also...

[ON888 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close ON888]

Random question, how do the brakes feel? Do the brakes feel consistent each time you press the pedal or does it feel good one day, and not as good the next?

[dudders Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close dudders]

The brakes are great, dont see any problems with them at all. Why?

[dudders Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close dudders]

That doesnt sound good, how would I be able to tell if the mounts are dodgy? This surely would be covered by the warranty (I got the extended factory one when I bought it).

[ON888 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close ON888]

Only reason I asked about the brakes is because a mate had a similar problem in his WRX and it turned out to be the wheel hubs were shot

[dudders Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close dudders]

I have a mate who has his own mechanics business, so I will drop by and see if he can have a look at that. I'll get him to change the Auto fluid at the same time, hopefully it will be just that and not something more serious. Mind you the vibrating is "very" slight, but noticable none the less.
Thanks again for your input. Once I get back home and can get it looked at I will let you know the outcome. Cheers.