I noticed a vibration problem in my 86 SE frame (4 speed Muncie) after I returned from Daytona early this week. Between 10 and 20 to 25 MPH, I notice a distinct vibration and the car seems to shudder from side to side a bit. The problem improves significantly at higher speeds but is still noticable. I can think of several things that could cause this type of problem, but wanted to post and see if anyone else has an idea. Could be engine mounts, but I had someone rev the engine while the car was in the driveway and saw no significant movement. I will put the car up in the air soon and try to get a look at the mounts to see if everything is ok.

Other possible causes that crossed my mind are damaged suspension component, lost wheel weight causing vibration problem, or a bad radial tire? Can anyone come up with any other potential problems or a simple way to diagnose the actual cause of the vibration?

it could be any of those things.....

i'm gonna share with you the knowlege that a mechanic once shared with me.

Start replacing the cheapest stuff first

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If its not a tire balance problem, Id check the rear axle/CV joints. Sounds like one is failing. It will cause the axle to shake around when driving.

my car is doing the same thing, how do you check to see if its the axle/cv joints

i had a balance done and they told me 3 of the 4 tires were separating. I'd like to check if it isn't anything else before investing in new tires though

first guess would be a slipped belt in the wheel. next I would guess balljoints, but its really tough to say. jack the car up - shake the wheels - look for slop

LOL...i had a slight shaking when i'd hit about 70mph. Went to work on my ball joints and found a huge dirt clod on the inside of my rim! Knocked it off and haven't had a shake since

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Techbot's Homepage

Problem solved and I got lucky. Once the rear wheels were off, it was obvious that I had a separating radial tire belt. Found a used tire that was an exact match with a lot of remaining tread, rebalanced both rear tires, and ended up with a $35 bill.

Count your blessings, lol. You may not be that lucky to get off so cheap when you have another problem,