Vibration while driving with cruise control on

Tiny
DIVIDES
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 BUICK VERANO
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 145,000 MILES
While having it on cruise say around 68-74 MPH there is a vibration in the cabin which I feel is going from the front. No vibration upon applying brakes. No vibration at lower speeds. Tires close to new. What gets me is that the vibration happens a 5 second segments. So it starts low, then by the end of the 5 seconds its at its highest then it calms down for few seconds until there is almost none. Then it starts again from low vibration to higher gradually over and over. Ever experienced that?
Wednesday, May 26th, 2021 AT 11:54 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Does this only happen with cruise? Or can you get it to do it with steady throttle at the same speed?

What I suspect is the cruise control is holding the transmission in overdrive longer then you would with the accelerator pedal. If this is the case then I suspect it is a torque converter shudder.

However, if this is the case then you should be able to get it to do this when not using cruise. So what you need to do is watch the RPM when you are getting the vibration and then mimic that with no cruise control.

If you are not able to then I can only think we have an issue with the throttle control motor that controls the throttle when in cruise.

Also, is there any noise or can you only feel it?

If I am correct then we can most likely repair this by using an additive that will allow the clutch to slip or lock up when it is supposed to rather then shuddering.

See the picture below of an example of this. Please run through this info and let me know what you find. Thanks
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Thursday, May 27th, 2021 AT 7:34 PM
Tiny
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No, it will do it with or without cruise, and sure it's a suspension issue, not a transmission issue. No sounds at all, no shifting malfunctions, very smooth, just a vibration above 68, just many cars do due to mounts, etc. I just didn't know whether these cars have a common issue.
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Thursday, May 27th, 2021 AT 8:05 PM
Tiny
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Okay. That makes more sense. Then yes you are correct it is most likely a ball joint or bushing issue. I would shake down the control arms, ball joints, and tie rods.

Did you have any odd tire wear on the old tires?

I would lift each front tire and shake at 12 and 6 o'clock then 3 and 9. It should feel tight and not have much movement at all. Clearly if you shake hard enough you will turn the wheel but if it wobbles or has any loose feeling then that is the most likely cause of your issue.
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Friday, May 28th, 2021 AT 7:22 PM
Tiny
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Will do, thanks.
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Friday, May 28th, 2021 AT 7:37 PM
Tiny
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Okay. Keep us posted on what happens if you don't mind. If you figure this out it would be a great post for others that have this issue as it is a common complaint. So knowing what solves your issue will give others a good idea what to check on their vehicle.

Thanks again.
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Friday, May 28th, 2021 AT 7:51 PM

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