sudden vibration at exactly 60mph - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

94cylcamry · 10-12-2008, 05:50 PM

I've got a 94 Camry LE i4, auto. 158,500 miles.

When driving and trying to maintain a speed of 60, the car will all of a sudden start to vibrate. It's almost as bad as driving over those tire vibrator things...on the outside lines of the highway? This happens mostly when trying to go 60 up a slight incline, or something like that. It doesn't always happen, and it's almost impossible to reproduce, but it probably happens at least once every two days.

Any idea what this would be? It's started up sort of recently. I want to think something transmission related, but maybe not. The car is also in need of a passenger side cv-joint, as the boot has been open for some time now. I don't know if that has something to do with it or not, though I don't think so because it isn't bad enough to clunk, and also since it only happens at exactly 60mph.

Also, the car has been maintained very well, but I feel like the transmission has been sort of neglected. The fluid is pretty much black, and I was going to drain and refill it, but people have said to let it go, because draining and refilling an old neglected transmission can cause a lot of damage.

Dunno, where should I start?

Thanks!

***new echo owner*** · 10-12-2008, 07:42 PM

Is this vibration localize to certain area of the vehicle, front or back, left or right? Can you feel it in the steering wheel?

N.E.O.

a94autoCamry · 10-12-2008, 07:44 PM

I had this problem with my camry at around 60mph as well, but it wasn't doing it at inclines, but on the straight highway...found out that the drivers side axle was bad, had that replaced, and the problem is now gone..check on that, good luck~

94cylcamry · 10-12-2008, 07:48 PM

Well I mean it doesn't have to be on an incline...it just seems like when it has to work harder to stay at 60, it happens more often. I don't know if that makes sense.

And I guess I can feel it through the steering wheel...I sort of feel it through the whole car. I can't say if it's more on the left or right, though.

Maybe it does have something to do with axle...like I said, we already replaced the drivers side, it's just the passenger side that still needs it...

***new echo owner*** · 10-12-2008, 08:12 PM

If would help if you can narrow down some of the symptoms that you are experiencing. Conditions like whether you are on the throttle or off the throttle, turning or going straight, things like that may help you to determine what maybe the cause of the vibration.

Does the vibration changes when you let off?

N.E.O.

94cylcamry · 10-12-2008, 08:51 PM

Sure.

It only happens when I'm on the throttle, and at 60. Every time that it's happened, I've been going straight. When I let off the throttle, it usually stops immediately. If I gradually give it more gas, it may last a little bit past 60. If I stomp it or give it more gas suddenly, it usually stops right away and the car acts normally.

***new echo owner*** · 10-12-2008, 10:42 PM

Interesting condition. Usually if it is the axles, the vibration would have happened under-load at a wider speed range, and not just at 60. However, if you do need work done on the right axle, maybe you should go ahead with the repair and eliminating it as a possibility.

Have you try shifting the transmission out of over drive or turn the steering slightly to see if that would make any difference? If you have a tach, see if the engine rpm has any affect on the vibration.

N.E.O.

2unknown · 10-14-2008, 01:05 PM

I'm also having the same symptoms. On the highway, when opening the throttle the car shakes from
60 mph to 65-ish and then back to normal above 70, but everything is normal below and above 60-65..

Just a question though, does it feel is if the engine is lagging a bit? like its fighting for power for a split second...Jolting?

If the plug wires are touching the valve cover, can that be a factor of the cause?

94cylcamry · 10-14-2008, 04:05 PM

Hmm. You make it sound like it happens everytime you give it throttle...like when merging onto the highway or something. Mine happens at random times while cruising on the highway, but always right at 60 or very slightly above. I haven't noticed any jolt, but it does seem slightly less powerful right then...like I'll give it slightly more gas and it will continue vibrating along at the same speed....you know?

I'll try to get the axle fixed, and we'll see if that fixes it.

Thanksss

EEngineer · 10-14-2008, 04:10 PM

i think it's your front suspension.

i had the same problem, it went away when i put on coilovers and it is still gone when i took my coils off and put on KYBs and eibachs

the car's suspension is so soft it starts to have trouble putting down power to the wheels beyond 60mph, because there isn't enough force pushing the tires down on the pavement.

94cylcamry · 10-14-2008, 04:12 PM

Strange that it's exactly 60 though...

EEngineer · 10-14-2008, 04:35 PM

i think it has to do with some physics

the old spring and dampers will absorb some vibration from going at 60mph,
if you accelerate, it starts to shake because it's at this point where you are at some sort of harmonic oscilating sweetspot,
if you accelerate beyond 60mph, it goes away....but then we usually dont go over the limit too long and stay around the 60-65 mark, that's why we constantly deal with that vibration.

i think it might have to do with the imperfection of the axel as well, but the soft front suspension is the ultimate culprit

hevster1 · 10-14-2008, 04:56 PM

94cyl, where in PA are you? Are you near Stroudsburg? If so i would be glad to look at it for you free of charge.

hevster1 · 10-14-2008, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EEngineer

i think it has to do with some physics

the old spring and dampers will absorb some vibration from going at 60mph,
if you accelerate, it starts to shake because it's at this point where you are at some sort of harmonic oscilating sweetspot,
if you accelerate beyond 60mph, it goes away....but then we usually dont go over the limit too long and stay around the 60-65 mark, that's why we constantly deal with that vibration.

i think it might have to do with the imperfection of the axel as well, but the soft front suspension is the ultimate culprit

While possible I dont think this is the likely culprit.

94cylcamry · 10-14-2008, 05:05 PM

Harrisburg, actually. Thanks for the offer. I think I'm going to try to get that passenger side axle replaced quick though, and see if that cures the problem. If not, I'll check some other things out and then possibly get in touch with you.

Thanks!