RX300malib

My 1999 RX has a slight vibration upon quick acceleration only. Slow take off is smooth but I'm concerned about driveline fault. I read articles pertaining to engine mounts but this issue varies. I suspect play in the transfer box as I have 170,000 miles on the vehicle. I once had a fiat which had a pillow bearing in the driveline between the front of the car and the rear end axle. Does anyone know if there is a similar pillow bearing in the RX300 driveline?

salimshah

Vibration due to mounts is odd. I expect a one time thud as the dynamic center of weight shift and the thing (engine or transmission) flops over.

Is the vibration a buzz sound or mechanically transferred vibration .. Long shot but it could be worn cv joints under stress. Also do not discount the ABS kicking in as you momentarily lose traction.

Salim

Lexmex

You could jack up front wheels and shake them to see if you have any play.

RX300malib

I appreciate the feedback and I'll check the CV joints for play. So no confirmation rerdarding the pillow bearing? I guess I won't be to concerned and just live with the vibe.

thomas1

I always wondered about that pillow bearing, but also the drive shaft u joints going to the rear axle. keep us informed.

lexus114

malib,is it a sensation of the traction control trying to kick in? If so,clean the antilock brake/wheel sensors on all four wheels.That was the problem on mine.

salimshah

Since I have FWD, I dont know where the pillow bearing is? I will have to look at underbody shots posted by Lexmex.

Salim

Lexmex

They have these center support bearings on the AWD.

thomas1

Hey Lex mex, have you had any problems with those bearings or heard of anyone having any problems. My RX has 151k and I was just wondering when those universals or pillow bearings would start acting up????

Lexmex

Those bearings have been quite durable, despite all those awful years on the suspension in Mexico. It's kind of hard to really tell on a lot of these things I see in this forum. I wish I was there in person everytime someone had one of these possible suspension/mount issues pop up.

salimshah

For 99 model the stress would have been less as there is a viscous coupling. But then again more than 100k miles ... and almost 10 years with various level of exposure, the thing can wear out.

I have not come across any post here in CL.


Salim

RX300malib

Great picture Lexmex and yes, these are the bearings I'm concerned about. These do appear to be very rigid and strong in design compared to my old Fiat which had one in the middle and appeared to be almost floating in a rubber doughnut. These look very rigid so I'll have to get underneath and attempt to move the bearing/shaft. As for the comment earlier about the brake/wheel sensor, that should be pretty straight forward to clean as I removed one recently to replace the front left strut. FYI, that obnoxious knocking sound when hitting bumps disappeared as soon as I replaced that faulty top bearing plate.

salimshah

Was any rotating part disassembled? Things are very finiky when it comes to rotational balancing. I always mark components, so that they are put back the same way.

Salim

Lexmex

I would however take a look at the rubber on those bearings I showed above. I kind of remember that when I looked at them back in Mexico they had some fraying, but again I never had an issue with them.

ilanh

Not sure what was the conclusion with the Vibration while accelerating.
I do have the same problem, will hear & feel slight vibration when accelerating from zero. The vibration will spear at around 2,000 RPM and disappear in higher speed. It comes from the middle/bottom of the car.
I looked at the exhaust joints & supports, drive shaft supports - all looks firm and fine but the vibration still happen.