1999 Mazda 626 VIBRATION IN WHEEL AND DRIVER SEAT

CAR8

MEMBER
1999 MAZDA 626
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
147,000 MILES

I'VE HAD QUITE A FEW THINGS DONE THAT HAVE HELPED TREMENDOUSLY (THE VIBRATIONS WERE NEVER VIOLENT TO BEGIN WITH JUST CREATED A RIDE THAT'S COMFORT LEVEL IS DETIORATING)THIS IS WHAT'S BEEN DONE SO FAR: NEW RIM, NEW TIRES, FORCE BALANCE AND OVER THE LAST YEAR OR SO I'VE GOTTEN THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS, LINKS AND REAR SWAY BAR BUSHINGS REPLACED AND BOTH FRONT AXLES ARE ONLY A FEW YEARS OLD. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT HE THINKS NEW STRUTS WOULD WORK BUT I'VE ALREADY PUT IN SO MUCH MONEY I WANT TO GET OTHER OPINIONS.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,269 POSTS

Does it always vibrate when driving? Also, struts won't cause a vibration, so if they are not bouncing too much, save your money. Have you had the alignment checked? Also, have they checked CV joints for play? Finally, is the vibration worse in the steering or the seat?

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Wednesday, October 7th, 2009 AT 9:24 PM

CAR8

MEMBER
2 POSTS

YES, I CAN ALWAYS FEEL A VIBRATION BUT MORE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. NO, I HAVEN'T HAD THE ALIGNMENT CHECKED. THE FORCE BALANCE WAS DONE AT A TIRE AND ALIGNMENT PLACE WAY AFTER I PUT ON THE NEW TIRES SO I'M ASSUMING THEY WOULD HAVE CHECKED THE CV JOINTS. I'M NOT SURE WHICH VIBRATION I FEEL MORE - DOES IT SOUND ODD TO SAY SOMETIMES MORE ONE THAN THE OTHER?

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Thursday, October 8th, 2009 AT 2:53 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,269 POSTS

No it doesn't sound odd. Believe it or not, chances are they never checked the CV joints for excessive wear or play. It isn't a common problem, but does happen.

As far as the vibration, if you feel it throught the vehicle, start with the CV joints, motor mounts and trans mounts. THe mounts are in rubber. IF the rubber goes bad, sometimes you will feel the vibration of the engine / trans throughout the entire vehicle.

Also, just so you know, when you feel the vibration in the steering, the problem is in the front. WHen you feel it in the floor or the seat, it is in the rear.

LEt me know if you have other questions.
Joe

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Thursday, October 8th, 2009 AT 9:37 PM