New annoying vibration.

[KWAWD]

Well I've noticed an annoying new vibration past few days when the KL is in drive which is most noticeable at idle. Its apparent in the steering wheel and when sitting in the drivers seat. Put it into neutral and it goes away.
It's not strong but gets annoying as my hands start getting numb after a few minutes at a long red light! I can't see the steering wheel vibrating or anything, but can definetly feel it.

I listened to the engine, and it seems normal enough. Maybe some very slight hunting in the RPM, but I suspect it's just normal. There's a lot of different noises of course, including a hiss near the throttle body, but I think there's nothing unusual as far as it sounds. Fuel economy and driving seems normal enough.

By way of comparison, the KH has the slightest of a tingle in the steering wheel, virtually no vibration. Different car, but far more mileage so my expectation is that the KL should have virtually no vibes like this, and indeed it seems to have developed this only recently.

Looking for any suggestions, thanks, apart from "it's an AWD and normal", heh, which is why I'm posting this in the AWD section.. It didn't do this before.

[mcs_xi]

Look at the condition of the engine mounts.

Or maybe the gearbox is due for a flush, or maybe the idle speed controller requires a clean. Many many things.

Mike

[vlad]

As mentioned in the other thread, mine did it from brand new off the showroom floor. Have taken it to several dealer/service centres and they all pretty much said the same thing, a trait of the AWDs. You are right in saying that there is no visible oscillation in the steering wheel but you can feel it and there is no strange sounds in the engine bay. It almost feels like the rumbling you get from an out-off-balance washing machine but much quieter/softer feel. Come to think of it, you know where else I've heard/felt it? On Adelaide's metro busses while stationary at the lights (obiously the one from the busses are more noticable). It may be the centre diff.

[bellto]

you mentioned a hiss from the throttle body? just check to make sure all your vac lines are in good condition and not leaking.

[KWAWD]

you mentioned a hiss from the throttle body? just check to make sure all your vac lines are in good condition and not leaking.

Ok, will check tonight.. The TB was actually removed a few weeks back, but the vibe has only been apparent past few days. Dk where that hiss was coming from, somewhere around there, but I woulda expected other issues if a hose cracked/fell off. ISC and TPS were replaced when the TB was off and ATF all done.

@mcs_xi engine mounts look great, but who can tell from the outside of them? Rubber still looks fairly flexible, can't see any obvious tears. If there's no other causes found maybe I can try swapping driver side out.

@vlad, I don't think it's the same thing as up until last week, this vibration wasn't noticeable, so something's changed but there is no noise. But yeah, the AWD's are a bit noisier than the FWD's. I wonder if ur strange sound is like another sound my car has had since I bought it last year? I describe it as sounding a bit like a tractor or diesel noise, quiet but audible at idle and coming from under the front seat area? I think it's just normal DIFF/drivetrain/TC operational noise, but yeah, first time I heard it I thought there was a problem with the auto.

[vlad]

Mine is very quiet in cruise thanks to the HM Headers. You should definitely fit one if you haven't already. Gets rid of the drone and brings back the lost power on par with a FWD VRX/Sports (at the fly) plus a little bit more and heaps more low to mid torque.

[KWAWD]

Can't see any disconnected or cracked hoses or tubes going in/out of the TB. I will take it for a drive later and listen for that hiss again.

[KWAWD]

Cant see any problems except the exhaust hangers have a slight twist to them and the exhaust feels like its hanging tight.
I wonder if that and our recent freezing mornings have anything to do w it?
Aircon increases the vibration felt in the steering wheel, (used to defrost the windows in the morning).