HI , my 2011 AWD shakes/vibrates when accelerating . The steering wheel doesn't shake at all but the car itself , if that makes sense. It's worse on the highway at higher speeds . Once I take my foot off the gas ,the vibration it's gone 100% . Any known problems ? Thank you !

 

check motor mounts (dog bone at top passenger side is a common one to go out), suspension/steering parts and cv joints. does it vibrate when braking at certain speeds?

 

Thanks . Nope no shaking at any point other than under heavier load / acceleration. Looks like it might be CV Axle . Damn , those are expensive and aftermarket are **** …..

 

Our Sienna has a similar shimmy in the vehicle though not the steering wheel. Doesn't do it when first started, but after a minute or two it does it under light acceleration starting near 40mph. Not noticeable just cruising on flat ground even at highway speed. Mechanic said it was a CV axle. $500 to repair (likely aftermarket **** like you say). Said it wasn't an immediate safety issue.

 

Yup EXACTLY the same for me , not noticeable when on cruise and over 40-ish . Interestingly not making noise when full turn . Is it the driver or passenger side for you? I am thinking about buying a used axle. All the aftermarket don't last long .

 

I don't remember which side but only one side according to mechanic. No noise, just shimmy. It's a 2006 with 200k miles but otherwise drives well. I hate buying non-oem parts but it seems that's what non-dealers have access to or otherwise don't want to fool with ordering from various vendors. Cheap parts easier for mechanic to mark up I suppose.

 

It is fine to solicit input, but at the end the diagnosis has to be done on your vehicle and the problem as you describe seems to be in the drive train [engine to tire contact patch]. This includes how the transmission and the engine are connected to the body as the counter force during acceleration pushes the engine/transmission against the body. Essentially someone has to establish which component has the play.

If you are fortunate the play willl be easy to locate, but most likely it will require lift to raise the vehicle and long levers to force moving parts apart. If not equipped you can pay some one to find it out.

Salim

 

from these two posts, make it sound like torque converter shudder. Cruising at 40mph let go of pedal goes away.

trans fluid replaced? If so, how often?