nc_growler

AO - I just tried this out...

With the clutch out and in neutral, I am experiencing the vibration starting about 5600 RPM and getting worse as revs go over 6K.

With the clutch in, no vibration.

So... I start behind the clutch... With TT bearings being primary suspect?

Maleficio

I suspect I now have the same issue.

AO

Sure sounds like you've got an issue with the torque tube bearings.

The next step is to get under the car. Just behind the lower bell housing cover, you should see a small rubber access hole. Pull this quarter-sized plug and stick a wire coat hanger down toward the rear of the car. See how far back it goes. If it's more than a foot, the bearings have moved and you need to swap or rebuild your torque tube.

Depending on your exhaust, it might not be easy to get to the access plug. If you can't get to it, just pull the lower bell housing covers (6 bolts) and stick the coat hanger into the torque tube that way.

Maleficio

What can happen if the TT bearing movement is ignored?

AO

**** will break and it will cost you double! In your case, possibly an automatic transmission and a new engine. You have to understand we're talking about your DRIVE SHAFT!

Maleficio

My new vibe just started last week, when it first got really cold outside. It doesn't make the sound upon startup, only when fully warmed up. If there was a balance issue, shouldn't I hear it when cold, too?

jeff spahn

But AO, how do you move the bearings back? don't you have to pull the TT to do this? Never mind, saw answer in later post.

SteveG

You will have to drop exhaust from headers to get two of the bolts out of the bell housing, the bolts are too long and cannot be removed w/exh in place; cut by an inch or so. Flex plate is not an issue on this car, but I would cut those bolts down so any future removal of the housing can be done w/o loosening the exhaust.

AO

Maleficio-

Unfortunately, there is no easy way to diagnose with an automatic transmission because the drive shaft is always spinning.

In your case, I would pull the inspection plug or lower bell housing cover and measure how far back the bearing is in the torque tube.

I don't know how many bearings are in the automatic torque tube or how far back they should be be, but if you take the measurement, I'm sure someone here (like Constantine) can tell you if it's in spec or not.

:THREAD HIJACK:

However, given your description, I would agree that it does not sound like it would be related to the torque tube. Unfortunately, you haven't given us enough information to go on. I would encourage you to start your own thread so others can follow it and help you out.

You'll need to enhance your description of the issue. So far we know it happens when it's warm. Got it. Is it all the time? RPM dependent? Speed dependent? At idle? While moving? What kind of sound? Loud or soft? associated with a vibration (I think you said this)? How long has it been around? When did you first notice it? Blah blah blah... I think you get the idea. The more thorough your description, the better the community can help you.

Maleficio

Ok. New thread, coming up.