Vibration while driving

WADE MEYER

MEMBER
2000 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE
3.0L
V6
FWD
MANUAL
160,000 MILES

Inside the car while driving there is a 'va va va va' sounding noise that is not present stopped, engine idling, nor revving. The noise is not present when I make any gentle turn to the right at thirty mph and above. The va va noise/vibration is speed related but only going straight or gentle turn to the left in the road thirty mph and above. If I push in on the clutch while moving the noise does not diminish or go away. All the tires are beautiful shape. Inside the car I cannot tell whether the noise is in front or back. But if I had to guess I would have to say the front area.

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,760 POSTS

This has to be caused by a rotating part, and that involves tires and brake rotors. A warped rotor can cause the caliper to slide back and forth on its mount, but that will not change when turning slightly. The noise typically gets worse during light braking.

A broken belt in a tire is a better suspect. When that occurs slowly enough over a long period of time, the tumor, or hump that develops can wear down, so at first glance, the tread looks okay. If you have the tires inspected at a tire and alignment shop, they will look closer at the grooves in the tread for signs of a broken belt. The squirming tread can make a rubbing noise as it slides across the road surface.