SOLVED: Alright, help me troubleshoot this shake...

[lhordmclain]

Hi ThrillCat,

Can you also post the break down (parts versus labor) of the 3k+ price quote the Independent Shop gave you. Also the technical explanation (diagnostics/findings).

GL man. We all hope nothing major!

Originally Posted by thrillcat

I'm not a mechanic, or an expert, which is why I'm here, and why I appreciate all your inputs. We're crossing our fingers that it's 111K of gunk that we can flush with new oil. I think he's afraid the chain could be stretched?

Like I said, I pick it up in a couple hours and will be learning more then.

[thrillcat]

Originally Posted by lhordmclain

Hi ThrillCat,

Can you also post the break down (parts versus labor) of the 3k+ price quote the Independent Shop gave you. Also the technical explanation (diagnostics/findings).

GL man. We all hope nothing major!

Absolutely. As a non-mechanic it's the least I can do to help out around here.

It sucks that this popped up, but quite frankly, I'm happy to pay it. The engine is absolutely sound. With a new rear drive shaft and guibo the drivetrain is sound. I would hope this is about it for awhile. I just bought it in July. Got a decent deal on it, and I love driving it. This will bring my total up to about what I planned to invest in it in my first two years of ownership, so hopefully year two goes a little better.

[sktn77a]

Originally Posted by thrillcat

It sucks that this popped up, but quite frankly, I'm happy to pay it.

I just hope this fixes the problem! I had a vibration in my 2001 530i with 150k on the clock (5sp, RWD). Dealer couldn't find the cause after multiple attempts. After 2 years of trying, I final got fed up and sold it.

[thrillcat]

Originally Posted by sktn77a

I just hope this fixes the problem! I had a vibration in my 2001 530i with 150k on the clock (5sp, RWD). Dealer couldn't find the cause after multiple attempts. After 2 years of trying, I final got fed up and sold it.

What did you attempt? What was ruled out?

[thrillcat]

Well, the mech said they took it out and got it warmed up and they definitely felt the vibration.

When they got it back to the shop the put it up on the lift with someone still in it. He fired it up and revved the engine and was able to get it to vibrate up off the ground.

Right when he called out from above that the vibration was beginning they could feel it in the transfer case below. Then they put the scope in and heard a noise coming from inside the transfer case each time the vibration began.

So we are going to try flushing the fluid and see what we find out. Probably won't happen tomorrow though. No fluid in town.

[sktn77a]

Originally Posted by thrillcat

What did you attempt? What was ruled out?

Balancing, road force balancing, new wheels, new tires, front control arms, sway bar bushings all replaced. Other front and read suspension bushings checked, guido checked, driveshaft checked, differential mounts checked, engine mounts checked. They said they could start changing things out (shocks, more bushings and mounts) but as they didn't know what the problem was, I wasn't going to throw any more money at it.

[OptimusPriM5]

Originally Posted by thrillcat

Well, the mech said they took it out and got it warmed up and they definitely felt the vibration.

When they got it back to the shop the put it up on the lift with someone still in it. He fired it up and revved the engine and was able to get it to vibrate up off the ground.

Right when he called out from above that the vibration was beginning they could feel it in the transfer case below. Then they put the scope in and heard a noise coming from inside the transfer case each time the vibration began.

So we are going to try flushing the fluid and see what we find out. Probably won't happen tomorrow though. No fluid in town.

Hope its nothing serious. Im really intrigued now!

[thrillcat]

What is it with people on the forums not following up with their solution? Gah! It's like everyone who has this vibration issue is told a solution, drops it off at the shop, and then they are murdered, bodies burned and buried, never to be heard from again.

I don't think I've found one person who has confirmed their "solution" worked or not. And I've been searching on this issue for a couple months.

[ard]

Originally Posted by thrillcat

What is it with people on the forums not following up with their solution? Gah! It's like everyone who has this vibration issue is told a solution, drops it off at the shop, and then they are murdered, bodies burned and buried, never to be heard from again.

I don't think I've found one person who has confirmed their "solution" worked or not. And I've been searching on this issue for a couple months.

Amen. It is part of the 'pay it forward' philosophy I have. Guys that DO the work usually post up, but people that pay seem to just not care hat was done....

GL - Following this....

[thrillcat]

Rest assured, I'll keep posting. The transfer case oil is getting changed out today. Cross your fingers.

You know what's awesome? Having an indy a block and a half from your office. Drop it off on the way in, pick it up on the way out.