Rhythmic shudder between 60 MPH to 80 - 1999 ES300
04-15-17, 09:32 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
Rhythmic shudder between 60 MPH to 80 - 1999 ES300
Hey guys, I just finished up a lot of work on my '99 ES300, but ran into a problem on the test drive.
Right at 60 MPH (until 80 MPH), it starts shuddering rhythmically. Shudder moderately hard, then nothing for a second, then shudder, then nothing for a second. Like a metronome, there is no variation. Here's what else I observed:
- it's not dependent on throttle. If I let go of the throttle, it will keep up the shudder on/off until speed drops below 60 MPH, at which point it will abruptly stop
- inner and outer tie rods are good, wheels will be checked for balance when I align it this week
- driver's side lower control arm's rear bushing has a tear, but I don't think suspension components could cause shudder like this
- car has two 205 tires and two 195s. They were crossed, so I moved 195 to the back. No change
- between 20 and 40 MPH, steering wheel will shudder when braking. I think this is unrelated, possibly a warped rotor
I'm hoping it's not the transmission/torque converter.
What do you guys think?
Thanks as usual.
Right at 60 MPH (until 80 MPH), it starts shuddering rhythmically. Shudder moderately hard, then nothing for a second, then shudder, then nothing for a second. Like a metronome, there is no variation. Here's what else I observed:
- it's not dependent on throttle. If I let go of the throttle, it will keep up the shudder on/off until speed drops below 60 MPH, at which point it will abruptly stop
- inner and outer tie rods are good, wheels will be checked for balance when I align it this week
- driver's side lower control arm's rear bushing has a tear, but I don't think suspension components could cause shudder like this
- car has two 205 tires and two 195s. They were crossed, so I moved 195 to the back. No change
- between 20 and 40 MPH, steering wheel will shudder when braking. I think this is unrelated, possibly a warped rotor
I'm hoping it's not the transmission/torque converter.
What do you guys think?
Thanks as usual.
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nsghtbrwry (05-01-17)
05-01-17, 11:40 AM
#3
Brake pulse is likely a warped rotor
The high speed vibration may be caused by a bad tire, bent wheel or improperly balanced tires. Given you have mismatched tire sizes, (which is not good for ABS ) I would check the tires first. We don't know your history with the car- if this is a new problem or developed since it not been moved for an extended period of time causing tire damage.
The high speed vibration may be caused by a bad tire, bent wheel or improperly balanced tires. Given you have mismatched tire sizes, (which is not good for ABS ) I would check the tires first. We don't know your history with the car- if this is a new problem or developed since it not been moved for an extended period of time causing tire damage.
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nsghtbrwry (05-01-17)
05-01-17, 12:52 PM
#4
Pole Position
Thread Starter
Thanks guys; lol, we've been troubleshooting this over on Toyota Nation, and the problem seems to be solved.
- pulsing was a warped rotor, new front Powerstop kit fixed that
- cyclic vibration reduced in intensity/amplitude with two used 205/65/15 for the rears. Was still there though
- Replaced wrong intermediate shaft bearing lock bolt (too long, hit the bearing) with the correct rubber-stoppered OEM bolt. Vibration gone!
I just got clicking from my new Cardone passenger axle, so will replace that this week, along with the trans mount. LCAs, ball joints, tie rods replaced yesterday.
- pulsing was a warped rotor, new front Powerstop kit fixed that
- cyclic vibration reduced in intensity/amplitude with two used 205/65/15 for the rears. Was still there though
- Replaced wrong intermediate shaft bearing lock bolt (too long, hit the bearing) with the correct rubber-stoppered OEM bolt. Vibration gone!
I just got clicking from my new Cardone passenger axle, so will replace that this week, along with the trans mount. LCAs, ball joints, tie rods replaced yesterday.
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