Car vibrates between 40 and 65 mph

D.H.78

MEMBER
1989 BUICK CENTURY
4.1L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
208,000 MILES

I just bought the car listed above, today the reverse gear went out a few months ago the previous owner explained with no warning, the transmission shifts fine and smooth in all progressions when in drive and vibrates less when coasting or in cruise. Tires are decent. Also the power steering pump is leaking fluid. Haven't determined where or why yet. Could this be playing a part in the problem?

1 Reply

SCGRANTURISMO

MECHANIC
4,897 POSTS

Hello,

This could be a couple of different things. It could a tire that is out of balance, a wheel bearing that is going out, or a motor or transmission mount that has failed. The easiest to check is to have your tires balanced. This can be done at any tire shop, or if can find one that sells the tires that are on your vehicle, possibly for free. To check for a wheel cylinder jack your vehicle up like you are going to change one of the front tires. Grab that tire and try to move the top of the tire towards and away from the engine. There should be no play at all. If you are able to move the tire towards or away from the engine, the wheel bearing is bad and must be replaced. Engine and transmission mounts must be visually inspected. I have included links below for you to go to:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-motor-mount-works
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-front-wheel-bearings-and-seals
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/steering-wheel-shakes-when-accelerating-or-braking

Please go through the guides and get back to us with what you are able to find out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros