Vibration from rear of VUE going over 60

[VueGuy168]

Around 55-60 getting vibration coming from the back wheels... all four tires are new and just installed recently? Any ideas? Seems like balancing to me, but I do not want to go back to the place and say they did something wrong when I do not know for sure? Any ideas? Thanks guys.

[chillin05VUE]

Was it vibrating before they put the new tires on?If not, I would take it back and let them know. A weight may have fallen off or they may have forgot to balance the tires. Things happen.

[1saxman]

99.99% of vibration complaints are wheel/tire problems. I would suspect a bad balance job on yours. Make them get it right to within 1/4 ounce.

[Ritz]

I agree that it's most likely an improper balancing job (or a weight fell off). If you want to use a little elbow grease before you take it back to the tire people, swap the backs to the front and see if the vibration moves to the front along with them.

Cheers,

[VueGuy168]

I went back there and they balanced all four tires for free. :D
However the vibration remains. :dizzy: He wants me to bring it back again tomorrow.
He is saying there could be a possible alignment issue in the back with the toe. I can buy this because the idiot who owned the car before me had two different size and height tires on the back (stupid) and I am wondering if this could of very well knocked off the alignment in the back.

Any takers if this could be the alignment? It drives straight and does not pull.
I guess I could push for them to replace the tires. I am not sure this is it though, not knowing the history they may have messed up something with the differential in the back with the different size tires. I also had a brake check today and they revealed the calipers in the back for the shoes were not completely touching the drum and needed cleaning. I was getting a high pitched squeel from the back. The problem for that goes away on flat level driving but I now get it only in reverse going down hill out of my driveway. WTH! :dizzy: The brakes feel tighter and better on the pedal, they recommended resurfacing rotors and drums, do not know if I need it. Any input on that would be appreciated. Thanks.

[1saxman]

'He is saying there could be a possible alignment issue in the back with the toe'
Won't cause vibration. This is a troubling statement from a supposed tire professional.

'had two different size and height tires on the back (stupid) and I am wondering if this could of very well knocked off the alignment in the back.'
No.

'could be the alignment?'
No.

'now get it only in reverse going down hill out of my driveway'
Very common on the VUE for the drum brakes to squeak backing down a drive. You might get this at the same time as a grinding noise from the front rotors as the pads hit rotors that have rusted overnight in wet weather.

'resurfacing rotors and drums'
Not required unless you get brake chatter when applying brakes. It's usually done when the brake shoes or pads are replaced.

I still say something is out on your new tires or your wheels, like a bent wheel. If it started when they put the new tires on, there's your proof.

[VueGuy168]

Thanks for the advice. I wonder being that the two different size tires (one taller than the other) could of messed up the differential if they had them on there long. I am sure whoever owned this vehicle never changed the Versatrak fluid. I am going to buy some and change that out. I wish there was a proven substitute for this stuff, its expensive.

[Ritz]

Thanks for the advice. I wonder being that the two different size tires (one taller than the other) could of messed up the differential if they had them on there long. I am sure whoever owned this vehicle never changed the Versatrak fluid. I am going to buy some and change that out. I wish there was a proven substitute for this stuff, its expensive.

Even if the two tire sizes "messed something up" that's not going to cause the vibration you're experiencing. I betcha it's a bad tire. It happens (even with new tires sometimes).

A number of AWD VUE owners are using Royal Purple Synchromax to fill the RDM. It runs about $10-12/QUART (rather than the Versatrak's $30/PINT). I'm migrating to Synchromax when I change my RDM fluid again after winter. Even if you weren't experiencing any problems, I'd recommend changing this fluid every 20k miles or so. It only takes a few minutes.

Cheers,

[VueGuy168]

Thanks for all your help. Well the vibration is coming from the center in the back. I had them move the tires, still there. Balanced again 4th time still there. Fed up I finally went around to a few tire places and this Goodyear one, the service manager happened to be listening to me and was a former saturn tech. He said it is most likely the center support bearing. There is a TSB on those and the part is currently backordered. He test drove the vehicle and concurred on what he said originally. I will definitely be taking it there since he knows first hand about these vehicles. He told me about the PO128 code meaning thermostat replacement. I knew this, and in fact, mine is stuck open. I was able to clear the codes before inspection s:cool:s but it has returned, so now I need a thermostat too. Tomorrow I am taking it for the timing belt to the dealer. I have decided to go with a OEM timing belt, since it is a vital organ so to speak of the motor. They said at the dealer they recommend water pump too.

1. Does this sound accurate?
2. Should I get the aftermarket T-stat?(Duralast) since the OEM is POS?
3. Should I do the waterpump too?

I feel like I have so many repairs the previous owner did not take care of the car. I will upload pics of the fluid I take out of the versatrak once its out.

[Gerry Proctor]

1. Does this sound accurate? Yes, it does. At least partially.
2. Should I get the aftermarket T-stat?(Duralast) since the OEM is POS? The thermostat has had a couple of revisions over the years and the Saturn stat (runs about $70) is fine. I'm not always sure on the aftermarket stuff, but I can't say it's bad. I just don't know how current their stock is.
3. Should I do the waterpump too? While the pump is a failure-prone item on the 02-03 Vue with the L81 V6, there is no point in replacing it if it's not leaking. It has nothing in common, repair-wise, with the thermostat. They are in different parts of the engine and nothing you remove to replace the t-stat will do you any good or help in making the waterpump job cheaper or faster. And neither has the capability to take out the other should there be a failure.

[SaturnTech122]

I don't recall a TSB on the center support bearings... Although they are known to let go and will cause a VERY noticable vibration, if you crawl under the vehicle look at the bearing and see if the rubber has ripped away from the metal the driveshaft will flail about, if its ok I would first try a driveshaft balance, after collecting so much rust the driveshaft can become unbalanced, we see 1-2 a month, send em out to a shop with a driveshaft balancer and theyre like new.

[VueGuy168]

Where is the bearing? Is this any easy job to do, should I attempt it?

[SaturnTech122]

the center support bearing is where the two halves of the driveshaft meet and are connected about the middle of the vehicle you cant miss it, where the driveshaft is mounted to the body, that entire asm is the center support, if its de-attached the driveshaft will flap around, this vibration would be very severe if this is truley your concern, i would suggect a balance, but in any matter i would not reccommed trying to replace the bearing unless you have access to a shop with a hydraulic press and air tools

Tools Required
• J 22912-B Split-Plate Bearing Puller

• J 45270 Universal Joint Remover/Installer





Notice: Never clamp propeller shaft tubing in a vise. Clamping propeller shaft tubing in a vise could dent or deform the tube, causing an imbalance or unsafe condition. Always clamp on one end of the yokes and support the shaft horizontally.

Important: Prior to disassembly, mark the positions of the driveshaft components relative to the driveshaft tube. All components must be reassembled in the same relationship to maintain proper balance.

Remove the snap rings.
1.1. Pinch the ends of the snap ring together with a pair of pliers.

1.2. If the snap ring does not readily snap out of the groove in the yoke, tap the end of the bearing cup lightly in order to relieve pressure from ring.





Remove the universal joint caps using J 45270 .
Remove the front shaft half.



Remove the lock ring (1) from the groove.
Discard the lock ring.



Place J 22912-B on the splined yoke, as illustrated.
Using a press, remove the yoke.



Place J 22912-B behind the support bearing.
Place the shaft in a press; then, support J 22912-B and press off the support bearing