Car Shakes like Crazy!

Fordman302

New Member
Nov 23, 2003
16
0
0
Orlando, FL
It's been a long time since I have came here but I'm having a problem with the mustang. I was traveling to see a friend about 300 miles away. On the way I started to feel a little vibration and by the time I got there it was a serious vibration. The whole car shakes at speeds of over like 20mph. The weird part is that if I stay a constant speed around 50 or so, it will get really loud and then completely stop and it will be the smoothest ride ever until I slow down again. The two things I came up with was either the driveshaft got out of balance or maybe the harmonic balancer or something like that. Any info would be greatly appreciated!!
 
If you can make it do this while sitting still and revving the engine, the HB is likely.

If it requires moving to make vibes, I like the U joint, clutch imbalance, etc idea.

Good luck.
 
Thanks for the replies, it only vibrates when I'm moving, sometimes when your lucky you can go through the gears without it vibrating but as soon as you slow down again its gonna happen. It's a pretty serious vibration my speedo shakes and everything. I think I'm going to start with the driveshaft, thanks again!
 
I'm with Hissin...Had a harmonic balancer go out and while I was sitting at a red light it felt like I was in a popcorn machine. Once I got up to about 50 it would settle out. Could be U-joints too though. Easily verified on the U-joints. I wouldn't think drive shaft unless it started happening after you got on it or you went four-wheelin', :)
 
WOW, I couldn't figure out what was going on, so I take it to a trusted shop and they tell me the tranny is done. $1800 installed for a used one, I don't know if I should do it, should I go with another t5 or what, t56 is too much work right now, any adivce?
 
What exactly did they tell you they found wrong with the tranny? Sounds fishy to me. Usually if you break a gear or a shaft internally, you will lose function of one or a few gears. I can't see it go bad slowly while at highway speeds, unless it went dry and you seized a bearing. Otherwise, I call BS on this one. Get a second opinion just to be safe.
 
And $1800 is extreme for a used trans installed.. you can get a reman cobra t5 for $1000 or under and install it yourself with the help of a buddy in a matter of a couple hours (4 max for a first timer).....

R&R the trans:
1. Car on Jackstands
2. Drain trans
3. Remove DS (4 bolts)
4. Remove shifter handle and rubber boot to floor.
5. Unbolt cross member (2 bolts).
6. Unbolt trans from bell housing (4 bolts).
7. remove trans
8. reverse steps for new trans.
 
I also would want it explained to me how the diagnosis was made (I'm with 1TMF in terms of wondering how this conclusion was reached).

What's a used T5 go for.... Like 100-200 bucks?

Did they say reman'd or just used?

In Orlando, I know you can get some locals to help ya out - or a mechanic to do a side job for you. To swap a trans would be VERY little labor cost.

I would probably also do the clutch and flywheel resurface because that can also cause vibes.

I'd try and get a local to help ya out if I were in the same position.

MHO. Good luck.