Vibration on Highway

[Pokey]

Yes the old 55mph vibration is back. Here's what I've done:

New, balanced tires. Alignment.

Had the mechanic check the engine mounts, says they're ok.

I'm getting sick of the 90k vibration MUST be fixed.

The car is a 05 mz3, 160k kms.

What can I add/change which won't cost thousands but will get rid of this annoyance? I read that changing one of the mounts will increase vibration at idle, I don't care as I'm the only one that drives the car.

Is there anyone in KW that can take a drive with me or have a look to confirm that mechanically "all is well"?

Heeeeelp! (tweety bird)

Wes

(yes I've done a search and for some reason didn't get much)

[stock3]

Is it a manual or auto transmission? Also when the vibration happens at 90 is it there regardless of engine RPM or is it only present only at 90 and in certain gear?

[Pokey]

Is it a manual or auto transmission? Also when the vibration happens at 90 is it there regardless of engine RPM or is it only present only at 90 and in certain gear?

Manual. I've tried it in 4th and 5th. Does not matter on rpm. You can also feel the vibrations to a lesser degree at 22 and 45 ish km/h. I'm sure I could feel it at 180 but may not live to tell about it....

[Flagrum_3]

Have you had the bearings checked? or front end suspension components for looseness etc;


_3

[krimsalt]

Bearings could be a problem or bad brakes usually are the top two culprits. Suspension is a maybe.. If it's constant despite road condition then it may not be suspension. It could still be a wheel balance though. Where did you get the alignment and balance done? If it's crappytire I'd suggest getting rebalanced elsewhere as Canadian Tire messed up on my balance

[Pokey]

The alignment was at active green n' ross, the wheels are done by a guy in the us. - Mike (some of you may know him).

I'll have the bearings and suspension checked. The brakes look good.....

The car does have 160 on it and it drives in Hamilton often so suspension could be the issue.

What do new shocks cost? Stock height, NOT from crappy tire :)

Would I need to replace the springs as well? I know it's probably better to, but I'll have this car for 2 more years or less so I'd prefer to keep the big spending somewhere else...

[krimsalt]

is the vibration consistent? Despite road conditions? If so, than it's most likely not suspension.

[Pokey]

is the vibration consistent? Despite road conditions? If so, than it's most likely not suspension.

Yes. On any road, once I hit about 90-95km/h it shakes. Sometimes a little more than others (butt dyno) but there are no days where it does not shake.

Tires are about 4000 km new. Alignment was 1 week ago. Brakes on the front about 2 years ago. All new mounts (from mazda not aftermarket) 2 years ago (it shook like a bugger then...)

I want to buy the new cx5 BUT can't for another 1-2 years so this one has to keep going...

[krimsalt]

I had the same problem at 95km/h to 105km/h. It is a wheel balance issue. Or it is a REALLY bad wheel bearing (do you hear a loud "whurr" whining noise, if so it's definately bearings)

[bluemazda3]

perhaps you need to re-tighten your lug nuts? they might have came loose.. mine vibrates sometimes.. but my tires have uneven wear so thats whats causing mine, not so bad tho..

[liquidzyklon]

Pokey, pop your hood and take a look at the passenger side motor mount. Check if there are any spilled oil around. My personal experience was that pooched passenger mount = vibration at 55 mph/90km/h.

[stock3]

Yes. On any road, once I hit about 90-95km/h it shakes. Sometimes a little more than others (butt dyno) but there are no days where it does not shake.

Tires are about 4000 km new. Alignment was 1 week ago. Brakes on the front about 2 years ago. All new mounts (from mazda not aftermarket) 2 years ago (it shook like a bugger then...)

I want to buy the new cx5 BUT can't for another 1-2 years so this one has to keep going...

This definitely sounds like a suspension issue. It would be best if you could get the car on the lift and check ball joints, control arm bushings, sway bar bushings and struts for signs of wear and play. If all that checks out fine, then I'm out of ideas.

[stock3]

Stupid iPad double posted.:bang

[Pokey]

Pokey, pop your hood and take a look at the passenger side motor mount. Check if there are any spilled oil around. My personal experience was that pooched passenger mount = vibration at 55 mph/90km/h.

I just looked at it today - looks fine to me. Would one of these torque dampners help here?

[Pokey]

This definitely sounds like a suspension issue. It would be best if you could get the car on the lift and check ball joints, control arm bushings, sway bar bushings and struts for signs of wear and play. If all that checks out fine, then I'm out of ideas.

I just had a right front bushing (or something) replaced... I can't remember at the moment what it was (about $230 incl tax) but the bouncing was the same before and after... could my shocks be going?

[k13]

I have the exact same problems at the exact same speeds. '08 Hatch. Both my summers (RX8's) and my winters (17" snowflakes) have been balanced multiple times, both show the same problems (though the winters are much worse).

Took it to Budds' mazda, but they couldn't figure it out either...

[Flagrum_3]

I just had a right front bushing (or something) replaced... I can't remember at the moment what it was (about $230 incl tax) but the bouncing was the same before and after... could my shocks be going?

Hold on a second here, are you experiencing vibrations or bouncing? or both? If you keep adding symptoms and forgetting to add info like you had parts replaced recently, how do you expect anyone to help solve the issue? Take the friggen thing in to a mechanic, tell him your problems and let him check everything. People here on the sight can only guess what the issue is and definately not if things keep changing.


_3

[Pokey]

Hold on a second here, are you experiencing vibrations or bouncing? or both? If you keep adding symptoms and forgetting to add info like you had parts replaced recently, how do you expect anyone to help solve the issue? Take the friggen thing in to a mechanic, tell him your problems and let him check everything. People here on the sight can only guess what the issue is and definately not if things keep changing.


_3

Sorry - bouncing/vibration - same difference to me since it feels kind of like the tires are hopping slightly, the wheel is steady though :(

Other than that RIGHT LOWER CONTROL ARM I mentioned there is nothing else new on the car. I was hoping to come across someone else who's had this and fixed it... And so far K13 has the issue unfortunately with no fix so far....

[xxSlidewaysxx]

might i point you in this direction:

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?62141-Power-Steering-Recall-amp-Vibrating-Steering-Wheel

Or: http://www.mazda3club.com/showthread.php?t=54842

Or: http://repairpal.com/vibration-felt-at-55-mph-225

Or: http://www.mazdaforum.com/forum/mazda5-43/brand-new-mazda-5-gt-manual-vibration-cruise-speed-20420/ <<< Mazda 5 but hey

Or: http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?32817-Steering-and-Gas-paddle-vibration-shaking

I personally am going to change the tranny and rear mount, already had the Pass mount changed. After that it's either shocks or bye bye mazda.

[Pokey]

I personally am going to change the tranny and rear mount, already had the Pass mount changed. After that it's either shocks or bye bye mazda.

Change one thing at a time.. maybe it's the tranny mount (is yours 5 speed?). That would be great if it was as that's one mount that I have NOT had changed yet...

[peterm15]

Is there a humming sound as well.
Having the same problem, just started this weekend.
I'm guessing bearings because I'm getting a slight humming sound. Gonna jack the car up tomorrow and check.

[Wes08M3]

My car developed pretty much this exact same problem. Low speed "hopping" and a high speed vibration. When I put my winter rims and tires on was when I immediately noticed this problem. Countless attempts to figure out what was causing it with no luck. As soon as I put my summer rims and tires back on, problem disappeard completely.

I noticed the winter rims I recieved from Mazda were not OEM and had a universal hub bore. Might have something to do with it, I'm still working on trying to figure it out... 7 months and nothing accomplished so far! And it wasn't for lack of trying.

@OP - Have you done anything to/with your tires/rims recently?

[Pokey]

@OP - Have you done anything to/with your tires/rims recently?

Maybe that's part of it - I have the right winter rims (hubcentric). The problem either went away when I put winters on or it ALMOST disappeared. Once the summers came on, with the oem alloys the problems started... maybe the wheels are a bit off - they are perfectly balanced, but who's to say if the centre bore is not a little out....

[xxSlidewaysxx]

Maybe that's part of it - I have the right winter rims (hubcentric). The problem either went away when I put winters on or it ALMOST disappeared. Once the summers came on, with the oem alloys the problems started... maybe the wheels are a bit off - they are perfectly balanced, but who's to say if the centre bore is not a little out....

That is how mine started........ however, i began to notice it with the winters, it went away with the summers..... now it's always there.


Change one thing at a time.. maybe it's the tranny mount (is yours 5 speed?). That would be great if it was as that's one mount that I have NOT had changed yet... ....

Yes it's a 5 speed...... I'm going to change the RMM first....... I'll try to capture a great trick a friend showed me, stay tuned.

[midnightfxgt]

Maybe that's part of it - I have the right winter rims (hubcentric). The problem either went away when I put winters on or it ALMOST disappeared. Once the summers came on, with the oem alloys the problems started... maybe the wheels are a bit off - they are perfectly balanced, but who's to say if the centre bore is not a little out....

If the problem comes and goes with the summer package, why look anywhere else?! You have a bent rim, bad tire, or bad balance. Just because its a fresh balance, doesnt mean anything... people mess up balance all the time.

-John

[Pokey]

If the problem comes and goes with the summer package, why look anywhere else?! You have a bent rim, bad tire, or bad balance. Just because its a fresh balance, doesnt mean anything... people mess up balance all the time.

-John

New tires, new balance. This is the second set of wheels this guy's balanced/mounted for me so I trust his machine. I don't however trust the bores on the rims. Maybe if the bore is out by .5 mm it can make the cars squirrely?

I could throw on another set of wheels and go for a ride - anyone in KW want to swap wheels for 20 minutes :) ?

I don't really want to drive around on my almost new winter tires all summer :(

[Pokey]

Is there a humming sound as well.
Having the same problem, just started this weekend.
I'm guessing bearings because I'm getting a slight humming sound. Gonna jack the car up tomorrow and check.

No humming at all, quiet and jittery :(

[midnightfxgt]

OEM Alloys are hubcentric, so bore is not the issue.

[Pokey]

OEM Alloys are hubcentric, so bore is not the issue.

Let's assume for a moment that it has nothing to do with the wheels as we're all thinking. How about tranny mounts - at a certain transmission/engine speed combination the shaking starts.... would that make sense?

Even though I've tried this in 4th and 5th gears so maybe not..... I'm sure there's some magic combination of factors, each pitching in a little to make the problem appear. How's the transmission mounted? Where are the mounts below the engine? Can these be replaced with the "new" stiffer mounts as per the service bulletin... I'd gladly take some vibration at idle over vibration on the road. After all, how much time do we spend with the cars at idle anyway?

[lcianf01]

Is there a humming sound as well.
Having the same problem, just started this weekend.
I'm guessing bearings because I'm getting a slight humming sound. Gonna jack the car up tomorrow and check.

Hey, i've got an 05 mazda 3 i had winter tires on it and had no noise. Now that i put my summers on TOYO 195/65/15 and i've got this humming at all times. Talked to a few of my friends and they told me it's just the tires. The question is could you give me a quick run down on how to do you check the bearings?

[krimsalt]

Hey, i've got an 05 mazda 3 i had winter tires on it and had no noise. Now that i put my summers on TOYO 195/65/15 and i've got this humming at all times. Talked to a few of my friends and they told me it's just the tires. The question is could you give me a quick run down on how to do you check the bearings?

If you hear a whirr sound on the road it could be bearings. Also you can jackup the car and see if the wheel has wiggle. However the wiggle may not necessarily be bearings

[Wes08M3]

If the problem comes and goes with the summer package, why look anywhere else?! You have a bent rim, bad tire, or bad balance. Just because its a fresh balance, doesnt mean anything... people mess up balance all the time.

-John

+1

Having my winter rims and tires re-balanced did absolutely nothing to help the situation.

If you're saying the problem was pretty much gone when your winters were on, I'd think you should try to rule out an issue with your summer rims/tires.

I've come the conclusion that my winter tires are defective and out of round. Your summer tires could also be out of round, maybe one or more tires has a warped/broken belt. How did you store your summer tires/rims? Did you stack them on top of each other? This could have caused some damage to a tire or even rim.

[midnightfxgt]

Storing the wheels and tires on top of themselves will not cause damage.

Pokey - I focus on the wheel/tire package as that is the catalyst for the issue. It could be mounts, but would probably be present with other tires/wheels.

Is the shaking in the wheel, or seat of your pants? Are mechanically inclined enough to change your own tires? If so, you can swap front to back and see what happens.

Could be a wheel bearing, But they usually make noise when they are gone before shaking

[liquidzyklon]

Pokey, TSB that sounds related to your issue. Something to consider if you still cannot the fix.
http://www.protegefaq.net/tsb/03-001-06.html
http://www.protegefaq.net/tsb/03-001-07.html

[Wes08M3]

Storing the wheels and tires on top of themselves will not cause damage.

I have actually seen tires become damaged first hand because they were improperly stored in a warehouse for an extended period. The steel belts were damaged and could not even be properly mounted to a set of rims. This would of course be a more extreme case than Pokey's situation.

But if there was a significant amount of weight put on the tires all winter, it *could* have caused some damage. Hard to say for sure it won't do anything IMHO.

If the balance is not the issue and the runout on the rims is within spec, the the tires could be suspect. Not easy to pinpoint a tire defect however.

[Pokey]

Storing the wheels and tires on top of themselves will not cause damage.

These are new tires.... the old tires exhibited the same issue :(


Pokey - I focus on the wheel/tire package as that is the catalyst for the issue. It could be mounts, but would probably be present with other tires/wheels.
You're right, see above.


Is the shaking in the wheel, or seat of your pants? Are mechanically inclined enough to change your own tires? If so, you can swap front to back and see what happens.

Could be a wheel bearing, But they usually make noise when they are gone before shaking

It's a butt dyno thing - the wheel holds steady but the car seems to shake rattle and hop - it's not anywhere near what the video above showed but enough to be annoying.

The tires are due for a rotation, but I don't think that will fix it.

I'll go discuss this with my mechanic tomorrow.....

[k13]

I have an auto. I don't think its the transmission.

Let's assume for a moment that it has nothing to do with the wheels as we're all thinking. How about tranny mounts - at a certain transmission/engine speed combination the shaking starts.... would that make sense?

Even though I've tried this in 4th and 5th gears so maybe not..... I'm sure there's some magic combination of factors, each pitching in a little to make the problem appear. How's the transmission mounted? Where are the mounts below the engine? Can these be replaced with the "new" stiffer mounts as per the service bulletin... I'd gladly take some vibration at idle over vibration on the road. After all, how much time do we spend with the cars at idle anyway?

[midnightfxgt]

Pokey - It did, or did NOT happen with winters?

-John

[Pokey]

Pokey - It did, or did NOT happen with winters?

-John


I believe that it did, but it was so much less that it was down to almost nothing. I figured that the tires are softer :shrug: .

I'll talk to the mech tomorrow and see what he suggests.

It would be funny if it was the wheels, since others here have the same issue.... would their wheels also exhibit the SAME characteristics aka 90km/h problem?

[xxSlidewaysxx]

I believe that it did, but it was so much less that it was down to almost nothing. I figured that the tires are softer :shrug: .

I'll talk to the mech tomorrow and see what he suggests.

It would be funny if it was the wheels, since others here have the same issue.... would their wheels also exhibit the SAME characteristics aka 90km/h problem?

I don't think it's your tires!

[Pokey]

I don't think it's your tires!

If it is, the sellers/balancers are ALL making mistakes....

I'll go with some kind of mount, for $800 Alex :(

Maybe the shocks? THey ARe getting old..

[shaboi]

I have this same issue and after getting my shocks/struts replaced, I didn't see any change in vibrations. Gonna go into a tire shop soon and get another alignment and wheel balance done to see if that helps.

[xxSlidewaysxx]

If it is, the sellers/balancers are ALL making mistakes....

I'll go with some kind of mount, for $800 Alex :(

Maybe the shocks? THey ARe getting old..

I went with Rick@Garage16, got the CP-e RMM and Tranny mount. I'll let you know when I install, and take pic's of the old mounts.

I do think my shocks are worn too thou, I have 188,000 on my 09....... yup, lots of daily K's

[shaboi]

*I also just changed my passenger side mount recently and my RMM a few months back

[xxSlidewaysxx]

*I also just changed my passenger side mount recently and my RMM a few months back


My passenger mount is only 30,000 km's old, i HOPE the f$#kin thing is still good.

[Pokey]

My passenger mount is only 30,000 km's old, i HOPE the f$#kin thing is still good.

Mine's getting to about 90k now. Still looks good but maybe crapping out? How much are these things since it's been a while?

[seek]

i will say rotate your tires and see if it stays the same, if different then you should have a bent rim

[Pokey]

i will say rotate your tires and see if it stays the same, if different then you should have a bent rim

I'm actually thinking of putting two of the winters on the back - mechanic said that it could be something in the BACK. He's never come across something like this yet..... Maybe tomorrow I'll have some time to put the winters on and drive a bit. Will post findings.

[Pokey]

I'm actually thinking of putting two of the winters on the back - mechanic said that it could be something in the BACK. He's never come across something like this yet..... Maybe tomorrow I'll have some time to put the winters on and drive a bit. Will post findings.

Ugh, no time to play but the vibrations seem to be spreading. Sometimes even as high as 100km/h. 120 is smooth but 100 can be bumpy, depending on what kind of day the car's having....

[mazdaspeedemon3]

have you checked your breaks..? rotors could be warped... i have the same problem on my sunfire.. my rotors are warped

[Pokey]

have you checked your breaks..? rotors could be warped... i have the same problem on my sunfire.. my rotors are warped

There is absolutely no shake when braking. I had the rears replaced recently but the shaking was there before and is still present.

If I ever get time, I'd like to put on the winters but I have no time to play with the car for the next month...

[mugfordd]

I have a similar problem that others have reported here. I have a 2008 Mazda 3. Everything is stock. I just recently bought the vehicle, so I don't really know it's history. At roughly 90 km/h I get a vibration that makes the steering wheel shake. The strange part about it is that it doesn't do it all the time. It only does it about half the time under exactly the same conditions even during the same drive. Other times its perfect. I don't understand why it would be intermittant. First thing I thought of is a wheel out of balance, but wouldn't it do it every time if that was the problem? Does anyone have an idea? Thanks.

[xxSlidewaysxx]

I have replaced my rear motor mount with a CP-e gen-I unit and after the break in period, 300 km's for me, I can say it definitely helped reduce the vibrations in my car. There is still some and I am hoping that it will be redusced further with the transmission mount I plan on doing this weekend.

[Pokey]

I have replaced my rear motor mount with a CP-e gen-I unit and after the break in period, 300 km's for me, I can say it definitely helped reduce the vibrations in my car. There is still some and I am hoping that it will be redusced further with the transmission mount I plan on doing this weekend.

Did you get a chance to put the tranny mount in?

a) how long does it take
b) where did you buy
c) what did you buy
d) how much was it

E) DID IT WORK?

[sarujo]

I thought the tranny mounts were only available for the Speeds? My understanding was that Slideways has an MZ3.


Did you get a chance to put the tranny mount in?

a) how long does it take
b) where did you buy
c) what did you buy
d) how much was it

E) DID IT WORK?

[leecheefoto]

I've had the same problem but haven't reported it here as I still don't know what the **** it is. I'm probably going to leave it vibrating as I don't even care about vibes at all.

The used car dealership I bought it from test drove it. First told me it was the road. Told him to go 90km- 120km/h it vibrates. Afterwards he then tells me its the rims.


So we drive it back to the garage, pop the hood and put the brakes on, turned the ignition and put it in Drive / Reverse. He tells me the engine mounts are fine as they don't even shake (tells me thats how you check for the vibrations)

After checking the rims, it was nothing to do with the rims. They were perfect (shout out to Exclusive Wheels).
They then tell me the wheel supplier / installer was supposed to include rubber spacings to reduce vibrations.

So its up to you if you want to gamble $100 per motor mount and install if it reduces the vibes.

[krimsalt]

I don't even care about vibes at all.



You'll care when a wheel or something worse flies off and you're stuck on the side of the road... Keep investigating

[Wes08M3]

They then tell me the wheel supplier / installer was supposed to include rubber spacings to reduce vibrations.

Are you/they referring to the hub centric rings that need to be used when you have aftermarket rims with a universal hub bore?

If that's what they're talking about, you really need to put those on. If you don't, vibrations at high speeds are certainly possible. They're only like $15 for all 4 anyway.

[midnightfxgt]

They then tell me the wheel supplier / installer was supposed to include rubber spacings to reduce vibrations.


These are called hubrings, and can cause vibrations if you don't have them.

[xxSlidewaysxx]

I thought the tranny mounts were only available for the Speeds? My understanding was that Slideways has an MZ3.

I was supplied with the wrong mount, it don't fit. However, I did get a good look at the original mount and it's pretty solid. I did find that with rear mount changed, it helps some, but the vibes are still there and it is road dependant. I do find that there is some play in the steering<< pushing on the tire with one side jacked up... I wonder if mazda has a rack issue.

[Booter22]

... I wonder if mazda has a rack issue.

you would be the first mazda 3 in 3 years ive seen that would need a rack . only other one ive ever seen was an RX8. other then that 1 i have not seen another.

[xxSlidewaysxx]

you would be the first mazda 3 in 3 years ive seen that would need a rack . only other one ive ever seen was an RX8. other then that 1 i have not seen another.

Due to the cost involved, I bet people try to avoid the PS rack..........

I also says this due to a small recall that invovles rust flakes in the PS line....... Can you say damaged seals in valves????????

[gularti]

I had a similar issue where between 95-110km/hr my steering would rumbling despite having the top motor mount replaced, new tires balanced (road force), etc.

Got both the drive shafts replaced and the issue went away 100%.

[MikeE]

Not sure if you had this fixed yet but I had a similar issue with my 1st gen. I would get vibrations around 80km and higher. A mechanic told me to just changed tires but i ended up getting a second opinion. Turns out it was the passenger side drive shaft. Only costed me $155 for parts and 60 for labour. He showed me the inside of the shaft it was all busted up. Now it runs super smooth! Hope this helps if anyone else has same issue.

[Cush29]

I have an 08 Hatch and have the same vibration / noise happening at about the same speeds (90-105 km/hr) then it goes away.....to add to that I thought (and believe I was right) I had a shot ball joing in the front passenger side as my one tire had a huge strip about 1 inch wide on the inside worn down to almost the belt while the rest of the tire and other 3 were fine. Seriously it was like someone had put my tire on a grinder and spun it around and around for a few hours and the line where the tred dropped off to nothing was nearly a perfect line all the way around the tire.

So I have changed both the front control arms and got 2 new front tires, balanced and then an alignment along with one rear stabilizer link changed (as it was shot) and none of this has resolved the issue.

Next up on the "change it and see if it fixes is" list is to check the wheel bearings and do new brakes (it's time to do the brakes anyhow)......I am really hoping one of these things fixes it, not really looking forward to the possibility of changing the drive shaft(s).....:rolleyes

[Cush29]

Should have mentioned my 08 hatch is auto....and I'm having that issue that a few folks here have reported on. Car does not always seem to go into park (P doesn't light up) and when you go to start it afterwards you have to do so in Neutral or "slam" the shifter up into park and it illuminates.

I asked the Crappy Tire Clowns to clean, and lubricate the 'transaxle pivot' (as per this post http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?51727-Park-Indicator-in-gauge-does-not-light-up...-%28&highlight=park+led) and was told "your car does not have one"....???????

Oh the joy.

[Jackal]

Should have mentioned my 08 hatch is auto....and I'm having that issue that a few folks here have reported on. Car does not always seem to go into park (P doesn't light up) and when you go to start it afterwards you have to do so in Neutral or "slam" the shifter up into park and it illuminates.

I asked the Crappy Tire Clowns to clean, and lubricate the 'transaxle pivot' (as per this post http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?51727-Park-Indicator-in-gauge-does-not-light-up...-%28&highlight=park+led) and was told "your car does not have one"....???????

Oh the joy.

Had this issue once that the car didn't start in park and shifted to neutral and it started with my other ride. It's probably the shifter pivot getting stiff or sticky.

[sean2220]

For those Mazda 3 owners with the 17" GT RIMS (Yoko S34 tires) they simply suck and vibrate all the time. I've had a 2010,2011 and now a 2012 (although the 2012 isnt that bad) but the reviews on these tires are not so hot.

[highlineMotors]

Maybe that's why the Mazda rims come with so many sticky wheels weights stuck on them.