transmission vibration

Jim Wino350Z · Jan 2nd, 2004, 03:25 PM

My 2003 Pathfinder has a vibration when trying to accelerate at low speeds (under 25) The dealership tested it, but said it was fine. I'm taking it back so if the trans falls out at 38 months, they can't screw me over. Anyone else experience this? It kinda feels like the clutch is being let out too slowly. (automatic transmission) Is this the trans, clutch,,,????? Any ideas?

jadcock · Jan 2nd, 2004, 06:35 PM

Many times when this happens, it's a loose center bearing on the driveshaft. Does your Pathfinder have a two piece rear driveshaft? If so, the front section is probably suspended with a rubber "donut". This donut can allow movement in the driveshaft, and this can be accentuated during heavy loads (accelerating from a stop). I don't feel this on my truck when it's not loaded, but if I have heavy cargo in the bed, I can feel exactly what you're feeling (feels like a wobbling when accelerating) and I think it's the center bearing (mine is worn).

If you don't have a two piece driveshaft, it could also be axle wrap fluttering due to loose rear suspension pieces or loose rear suspension bushings.

These are just guesses if your dealership can't find a problem with the transmission.

nolan · Apr 24th, 2004, 09:17 PM

My 03 Pathfinder has drive train vibrations at about 20mph, 40-45mph, and 60-70mph. You can feel only on smooth roads. You can feel in the steering wheel and in the seat. The vibration is audible low pitch sound. Dealer tested car for half a day. Agreed that car did vibrate at those speeds. He tested other new pathfinders and said they did the same thing. Since Nissan had no service bullitens on this problem they could not do anything. Called Nissan consumer complaints. They could not help since I was the only one who had reported the problem. Something feels like it is out-of-balance. The noise and vibration drives me crazy.

johnnyxb9 · Apr 25th, 2004, 09:00 PM

My guess is drive shaft and/or u-joints.

notch360 · Aug 17th, 2004, 01:34 AM

I also have a nice 2002 Pathfinder with a slight vibration at ~62 MPH. It is driving me crazy. I have had no help at the dealer, they say it is "normal feel" which is complete BS. I am very close to selling and never buying a Nissan again. I will be calling the 800 Nissan # in the morning. Good Luck
NOTCH

finding_a_path · Aug 17th, 2004, 02:38 AM

Could be the Universal joints on the driveshaft. I had them go once on a car, and basically it would vibrate when I let off the gas. (they were pretty bad at that point.)

lewisnc100 · Aug 17th, 2004, 08:27 AM

notch360, the vibration at 60-65 with the Pathfinders has commonly been a balance problem with the tires. The only thing that seems to help is finding a balance shop or dealership with a flange plate adapter on the balance machine that mounts the wheel to the balancer via the lug bolts instead of the hub opening.