1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

81 gsl vibration

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Old Feb 24, 2010 | 04:59 PM
  #1  
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NY 81 gsl vibration

ok so here's the thing, i was driving to work one day and all of a sudden a really bad vibrations...

it idles fine, with no unusual vibration

vibrates really bad only when driving at all speeds, any ideas, i'm thinking the rear end (LSD Type)

again its a 81 gsl manual; completely stock with brake rotors front and back, and thats another thing, the brakes are not binding.
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Old Feb 24, 2010 | 06:33 PM
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Sounds like

A universal joint has gone at the back end of the drive shaft.

TonyK.
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Old Feb 24, 2010 | 06:36 PM
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well if its coming from the back of the car, it could be a bushing
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Old Feb 25, 2010 | 10:09 AM
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first check the tire pressure and make sure the balancing weights are installed properly. next check the front and rear u-joints for play. check the transmission mount for cracks or seperation. finally, inspect the engine mounts for cracks or play.
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Old Feb 25, 2010 | 10:51 AM
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Check your lugnuts. Better make sure you don't have a wheel ready to fall off.

Also, maybe you have a belt slipping in one of your tires.

Do you guys have any snow in NY? Sometimes, snow will build up on the inside of the wheel and throw things out of balance...



.
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Old Feb 25, 2010 | 11:23 AM
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wow, thanks a lot guys, it happened when it was warm back in december before the snow started that rules that out, my motor mounts and my tranny mounts are good, guess the next thing to check is the u joints--- i didnt think of that one, sounds like its worth looking into... what and how should i check it
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Old Feb 25, 2010 | 02:23 PM
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Drop the driveshaft from the differential, don't pull it out of the tranny or you'll have fluid all over. Move the joints around checking for any play or binding.
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Old Feb 25, 2010 | 03:46 PM
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thanks
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Old Feb 25, 2010 | 05:00 PM
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Originally Posted by Ark1
A universal joint has gone at the back end of the drive shaft.

TonyK.
Yup, Tru Dat...You are going to need a driveshaft as those u-joints are not serviceable. Had to put one in the car that is now mine about 12 years ago.
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Old Feb 25, 2010 | 07:40 PM
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i changed the ujoints in my driveshaft a few months ago? shouldnt need a new driveshaft? and mine was vibrating pretty bad at any speed and it was the needle bearings coming out of the end cap making it loose
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Old Feb 25, 2010 | 11:06 PM
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The early driveshafts have serviceable joints, the later ones don't. But have no fear. Any decent driveshaft repair shop can still replace the non-serviceable joints. That's just not a DIY project like the 'good ole days', lol.
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Old Feb 26, 2010 | 02:14 AM
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haha idont know if mine was supposed to be diy??? it took alot of beating with a hammer. chisel. screwdriver.. a bloody knuckle and a sore thumb. but i got them out and new ones in. and no vibration haha. and that was a yr ago. mines a 82 btw
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Old Feb 26, 2010 | 10:19 PM
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i had same prob lol swapped the dshaft and no vibs mine vibed so bad my gf loved my car cause everytime id get uo to like 45 mph shed start creamin lmao
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