Answer to Vibration at 55-58 MPH

[kampsvilleboy]

A while back the problem of a slight vibration at at 55-58 mph was discussed. At the time the thinking was that it was the MDS. Well... I finally had the time to take it in to my friendly Chrysler dealer today. They confirmed what I was feeling and called the Chrysler hot line to see what they have to say. Apparently, Chrysler says that it is a known condition and is part of normal operation. It is NOT the MDS as many previously speculated, but is caused when the torque converter is fully locked and at just the right load on the engine it sets up a resonance or slight drone in the exhaust. This resonance is what is felt as a slight vibration. Chrysler hotline apparently confirmed exactly the symptoms and conditions that I described - - 55-58 mph around 1700rpm in 5th gear. Not that I'm happy there is this little glitch there to live with, but it is nice to know that nothing is "wrong."

The other problem they addressed while I was there was a creak and popping noise when the tilt steering wheel moved into the lower part of its travel. Turned out a brace for the steering column needed to have a bolt tightened. They also found the left front tire 1/2 oz. out of balance and balanced and properly torqued all 4 wheels. Most importantly, there doesn't appear to be and grease for me to try to clean out of my light, light, really light, gray interior!!

[jjs]

Thanks for the info...kind of adds to the list of reasons I might not take delivery of the '05 on order and hang in there until issues are addressed and fixed in future deliveries.

[jeepgrady]

Thanks for the update. It must be nice to have a dealer that has the wherewithal to get an answer to your inquiry.

[arnoldw]

All I get are good vibrations :o

[romli]

"Sir, your problem is not a problem because others have observed the exact same problem"

[Scarbs]

What about changing the muffler to a differnt type or some thing like that. if its a note like when a Oprea singer shaters a glass if u change the muffler/exhaust you would change the note.

["C"for me]

Good info, except ...... if you match the same RPM in a different gear, why don't you hear it then? I tried it in every gear. Just match the RPM, hold it steady, NO sound. It has to be something a bit more, IMHO. Now, having said that ..... it does not bother me, I just go 50 or 60 and skip the 55-58 thing. May well be a combination of RPM, MDS, torque converter locking up, who knows. It is a strange thing but very minor, I bet a passenger would never, ever feel/hear it. Just those of us that are 100% with our cars.

[jcsganga34]

I've got a question, is this something everyone on this forum feels except for me? If it is not a symptom of all "C"'s then my guess is something is odd or wrong here.

[Blue]

I feel the exact same thing. Also I hear a droaning noise that may be the exhaust when shifting between all the gears, however, the vibration is definately a different thing. At first this bothered me, but now it doesnt even come into play. Maybe I was TOO sensitive before...but it is not something that would keep me away from this car.

[arnoldw]

I can't drive.....55.... Just had to say that Well maybe I'll give it a try. I've got 5000 miles now and have'nt noticed any "bad" vibes