Vibration in Steering Wheel & Armrest While Stopped

[SnowBuck]

2005 XL. Just started feeling this vibration...in Park or Drive standing still. Had a major tune-up at 100k and top end BG treatment yesterday. Don't have any missing. Engine runs perfectly smooth. Mechanic checked motor mounts, took off belt, eliminated harmonic balance, accessories, et al. Engine runs very smooth, but he couldn't figure out what is causing this vibration at idle in P or D.?!?!?!

 

[SnowBuck]

UPDATE: The Dealer installed (OEM) new engine mounts and transmission mount. NO CHANGE @$!@#$%
Vibration seems to intensify at approx. 650 rpms. Lessens above/below that. Two mechanics and the Dealer have no clue !!! There's got to be "some thing" vibrating related to rpm's.

 

[M1Gunner]

Maybe unbolt the flexplate from the torque converter...? Also while checking for anything that could cause an unbalancing on the flexplate?
How exactly did they check to eliminate the harmonic balancer?

 

[Doubeleive]

take off the serpentine belt, start for a few moments only to see if the vibration is gone. that will point you in the right direction I would think. obviously don't drive it like that.

 

[SnowBuck]

take off the serpentine belt, start for a few moments only to see if the vibration is gone. that will point you in the right direction I would think. obviously don't drive it like that.

Yes. They claim they did just that and no change. Could it be something in the exhaust line vibrating back?!? Neither mentioned looking at an exhaust issue. Went to a Third garage, they looked, ran it, sat in it, said they wouldn't check it in as they say "anything they'd do has been done...it's a slight vibration...live with it!" ?!?

 

[M1Gunner]

Just taking off the serpentine belt isn’t going to eliminate the possibility of it being the harmonic balancer. Also, have had a vehicle with vibration issue that was caused by the torque converter.

 

[Doubeleive]

Yes. They claim they did just that and no change. Could it be something in the exhaust line vibrating back?!? Neither mentioned looking at an exhaust issue. Went to a Third garage, they looked, ran it, sat in it, said they wouldn't check it in as they say "anything they'd do has been done...it's a slight vibration...live with it!" ?!?

if the belt was off and the problem was still there then I think it would be internal to the engine or transmission, could maybe be exhaust, probably need to have it up on a rack with 2 people, one giving it rpm's and another checking underneath

 

[ivin74]

Get your transmision checked out, it could be the torque converter or the flexplate

 

[SnowBuck]

Can feel it in the steering wheel while STOPPED/PARKED around 700 rpm's. Now in the FORTH GARAGE!!! THEY think it has something to do with the exhaust system. They read something (TSB???) about welding weights to the exhaust or using exhaust dampers (?).

 

[SnowDrifter]

Could you post a video or audio clip? Knowing the frequency of the vibration will help

 

[SnowBuck]

Could you post a video or audio clip? Knowing the frequency of the vibration will help

Can't...don't own a cell phone, don't Tweet, Don't have a Facebook Account.
Read on another Thread about Exhaust Dampers. Luckily, the 4th mechanic did his research and saw that too! I'm torn between taking it as-is to FL since we're expecting a big snow tomorrow...or taking a chance they'll do that by Friday?!?

 

[SnowBuck]

Latest: added 4 (four) exhaust vibration dampers to the exhaust system in addition to new engine AND tranny mounts. NO CHANGE! Still a vibration in steering wheel only at specific rpm's (like 700) WHILE PARKED and idling. Me, the Dealer, 3 garages...all give up!