Vibration through the steering wheel while driving?

Tiny
JASONROGERS1
  • MEMBER
  • 2025 CHEVROLET TRAX
  • 1.2L
  • 3 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 300 MILES
Just purchased the vehicle listed above 2RS (new from dealer). Getting a slight vibration (like driving on highway rumble strips, but not that strong) through the steering wheel at around 1,500 RPMs (plus or minus), only when in drive and with light acceleration. Vibration may be noticeable at slower speeds only (less than 40 mph). Vibration is intermittent but may be more reliable on inclines. Vibration does not occur when stopped in neutral and revved to 1,500 or rolling in neutral and revved to 1,500. Initially suspected air conditioner compressor, but vibration seems to happen whether or not the ac/blower is on. Now, I’m starting to suspect that it may be the transmission fluid.
Monday, September 16th, 2024 AT 12:37 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,041 POSTS
I would rotate the tires from front to rear to see if anything changes. Also do you have any warning lights on? If it was a transmission problem, you should get a turbine shaft speed sensor error. Does it seem to drive straight like the wheel alignment is okay?

Here is a guide to help see if there are any codes:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Please upload pictures or videos in your response of any problems so we can see what to help you with.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, September 16th, 2024 AT 2:44 PM
Tiny
JASONROGERS1
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thanks. No warning lights. No pulling in any direction.

When the car was delivered, the tires were overinflated (all four around 43 PSI). After I discovered this (after about 150 miles on the odometer), I brought the pressures down to their recommended levels (front 35 psi, rear 32 psi). As I said, the car will coast along smoothly in neutral.

The reason I suspected transmission fluid is that something similar happened with our 2018 Chevrolet Colorado. No warning lights there either. But there was a service bulletin out for that problem, and a transmission flush fixed it.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, September 16th, 2024 AT 3:42 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,041 POSTS
You can give that a try, but with only 300 miles on it it should be okay. Can you see the driveline? I would look to see if there is a dent or crease in the driveshaft. Also, I would try rotating the tires front to rear. Please let me know I am interested.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, September 17th, 2024 AT 8:31 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,041 POSTS
Did you try rotating the tires front to rear? Also look at the driveline that might have got damaged during shipping.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, September 18th, 2024 AT 8:37 AM
Tiny
JASONROGERS1
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Not sure if this video is of any help.
Video (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, September 18th, 2024 AT 4:49 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,041 POSTS
Wow, great camera work, do you work for the movie industry? It can be the transmission torque converter if the problem is when the car is sitting still. Do you have any warning lights on? Also, what does the dealer say? Can you get a video of the steering wheel vibration, I can say engine/transmission mounts can cause this issue if you have a defective mount. When the engine is running, put your hand on the top cover to see if it is the same vibration, you feel while driving. (Do not put your hand near moving parts.)
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, September 19th, 2024 AT 10:07 AM
Tiny
JASONROGERS1
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thanks. So far, I only feel it in Drive with the car moving. No warning lights. The vibration isn't strong enough to be seen, only felt. Notice it most when there's a gear change during acceleration and the RPM drops down to 1300-1500. Only lasts for a couple of seconds until the rpm climbs back out of that range. I went for a drive with a Chevrolet service advisor, and he thinks it's pretty normal for this vehicle. Guess I won't worry about it for now.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, September 19th, 2024 AT 3:29 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.