I'm new here, could I get some advice with a vibration problem

Wendy L · 2024-11-16T16:56:15+0000

Hi there
I have a 2009 Defender 90 XS TDi. It has been well looked after with only one other owner apart from me. It has 88k miles on the clock and has very occasionally undertaken light towing of a caravan and a horse box.
Recently it has developed a vibration that occurs when driving (not on the ramp) and only when the revs are less than 1500rpm. It feels like the vibration is coming from the area under the passenger seat at the front.
Nene and one other garage have not been able to diagnose the source of the problem. It is really annoying.
Any suggestions of what it might be, or somewhere good I could take it for further diagnosis are gratefully received.
I am based near Peterborough.
Thank you
Wendy L

Anaconda · 2024-11-16T17:01:04+0000

That sounds quite odd as most vibration get worse with more revs, presumably only when you are driving.
Did they list the checks they carried out?
Something loose in the battery compartment?

miktdish · 2024-11-16T17:10:14+0000

Hello. Welcome to the forum.

NeneOverland are pretty good, i'm surprised they didn't find anything.
Could it be a wheel out of balance ?
You could get that checked quite easily and cheaply at any tyre fitting place.

Wendy L · 2024-11-16T17:25:26+0000

Anaconda said:
That sounds quite odd as most vibration get worse with more revs, presumably only when you are driving.
Did they list the checks they carried out?
Something loose in the battery compartment?

Hi Anaconda, you are right, it is odd, and yes it disappears with higher revs. Also yes, it can't be recreated on the ramp, only when driving. Both garages checked a lot of things, Nene focussed in on the exhaust, even taking off sections of the exhaust to rule it out, with no luck.
Not sure they checked the battery compartment, you are right it is that side. I will check that. Thank you.

Wendy L · 2024-11-16T17:29:25+0000

miktdish said:
Hello. Welcome to the forum.

NeneOverland are pretty good, i'm surprised they didn't find anything.
Could it be a wheel out of balance ?
You could get that checked quite easily and cheaply at any tyre fitting place.

Hi Miktdish
I agree Nene know their stuff. They really tried. I had it back with them 3 times in all, to no avail.
Thanks for the suggestion I will drop it in to Apex next week and get them to have a look.
Kind regards
Wendy L

tottot · 2024-11-16T17:33:42+0000

Over time engine and gearbox rubber mounts can go soft [move more] result more vibration, most notable when starting cold, running slow. New mounts sorted mine last spring.

Anaconda · 2024-11-16T17:47:37+0000

Can you feel it through the steering wheel, seat, floor.
I would have thought they had checked engine and gearbox mounts.

Wendy L · 2024-11-16T17:52:01+0000

tottot said:
Over time engine and gearbox rubber mounts can go soft [move more] result more vibration, most notable when starting cold, running slow. New mounts sorted mine last spring.

Thank you Tottot. I will add that suggestion to the list. Appreciate it and glad you got sorted.

Wendy L · 2024-11-16T17:54:30+0000

Anaconda said:
Can you feel it through the steering wheel, seat, floor.
I would have thought they had checked engine and gearbox mounts.

Hi Anaconda, its quite a low, loud, growly vibration, but no, I don't think I can feel it through the steering, seat or floor.
You are right, both garages have talked of checking for loose things.

Graculus · 2024-11-16T17:58:17+0000

Has anyone thought to use 'chassis ears' on it yet? once the usual suspects have been ruled out, that should be the next step.

Wendy L · 2024-11-16T18:16:44+0000

Graculus said:
Has anyone thought to use 'chassis ears' on it yet? once the usual suspects have been ruled out, that should be the next step.

Hi Graculus, Thank you for the reply. I have not heard chassis ears mentioned, in fact I have not heard that terminology before at all. A quick google makes for very interesting reading. Do you happen to know if all garages have that tool as standard and is it reliable and effective? Kind regards Wendy L

Brown · 2024-11-16T18:29:44+0000

Another thing that gives you a speed-specific vibration is the propshaft joints. My front one gives me vibration at about 50 mph when it's starting to wear, at which point you can just begin to feel a little movement in the spiders. Once you get up to 70 mph you can hardly feel it at all.

I'm not saying that's definitely the problem, but it might be worth having a look at.

Wendy L · 2024-11-16T18:47:17+0000

Brown said:
Another thing that gives you a speed-specific vibration is the propshaft joints. My front one gives me vibration at about 50 mph when it's starting to wear, at which point you can just begin to feel a little movement in the spiders. Once you get up to 70 mph you can hardly feel it at all.

I'm not saying that's definitely the problem, but it might be worth having a look at.

Thank you Brown. Appreciate the suggestion and will certainly add that to the list.
A follow up question from the uninitiated here - if I may. How would I feel the movement in the spiders, is that a gear thing?
Kind regards Wendy L

Anaconda · 2024-11-16T19:09:52+0000

I would also think the specialists have checked these.

Brown · 2024-11-16T19:19:11+0000

I see @Anaconda's already answered it! If you can feel any movement, it can lead to quite a bit of vibration when driving around. A lot of propshafts have bits of metal spot welded on the sides, in an effort to balance them in the factory. These can come off and give you some vibration too. You might try taking the front prop off and driving around (in centre diff lock) to see if you can still feel it.

Yes, you'd think a garage would have spotted this, but you never know.

Graculus · 2024-11-16T20:03:59+0000

Wendy L said:
Hi Graculus, Thank you for the reply. I have not heard chassis ears mentioned, in fact I have not heard that terminology before at all. A quick google makes for very interesting reading. Do you happen to know if all garages have that tool as standard and is it reliable and effective? Kind regards Wendy L

Well, 'they should' is the best answer I can give you really - all the dealers I've worked for have them as they are 'mandatory equipment' for NVH diagnosis. Basic kits are not too expensive, well within the scope of independent garages - but it does take training and time to isolate the area of concern, then work down to an assembly or component causing the concern. Clearly they cannot be used on rotating components and I'd recommend the approach above with regards to the propshaft diagnostic removal.

I'm new here, could I get some advice with a vibration problem

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