Vibration/rumble at highway speeds?

Tiny
JACOB JAYNES
  • MEMBER
  • 2015 NISSAN JUKE
  • 1.6L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 105,000 MILES
Recently after 3 to 4 minutes of highway driving (55- 75 MPH) there is a rough vibration when on the gas maintaining speed, almost as if the RPMs are dropping too low. The vibration goes away completely when letting off the gas, and there is no vibration under normal/heavy acceleration. There doesn't seem to be any specific noise associated with the vibration and the vibration is constant when it occurs. I'm unsure if the vibration occurs at lower speeds, if so, it is very subtle. No warning lights, no smells, no smoke, no visible fluid leaks.

Some things to keep in mind: New factory short block installed at 86,000miles, CVT fluid was last changed during that time (≈20,000miles ago) Recently had a brake service done (new pads/rotors) and all wheels are tight and torqued.
Tuesday, April 30th, 2024 AT 6:33 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Hi,

The idea that it doesn't happen for the first few minute's sounds like it could be related to the new brakes getting hot.

I need you to check something. After you feel the vibration, pull the vehicle to a safe location and check to see if there is any excessive heat coming from the front wheels. If there isn't, my next suspect would be a failing CV joint.

Take a look through this link. It describes symptoms related to a failing joint. See if it mirrors what you are experiencing.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-cv-axle-joint

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, April 30th, 2024 AT 6:26 PM
Tiny
JACOB JAYNES
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Update,
The vibration came back again under the same circumstances as described before, stopped and checked all wheels and brake rotors for excessive heat all seemed normal, brakes feel normal when braking as well. That being said, I was able to wedge my phone up into both driver and passenger side wheel wells to take photos of the CV boots connecting to the transmission and found that both have some grease/fluid on or around them. I am not sure if they look 'bad' enough to cause the issue I'm having, I'm certain they don't look normal though. My next question would be, would failing CV joints/axles create a vibration at a specific speed that goes away completely when letting off the gas or would the vibration be dependent on the speed the wheels are rotating (a constant vibration that occurs between X and X mph on or off the gas) I worry there may be an additional underlying cause to the issue I'm having. Thank you.
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Wednesday, May 1st, 2024 AT 6:10 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Hi,

Yes, a failing joint can cause the vibration. Were you able to inspect the outer joints as well?

As far as the pics are concerned, it's hard for me to tell, but they almost look like they may be wet with transmission fluid. Check to see if the clamps are loose. Also, check the outer joints as well.

Pay attention when making tight turns to see if you hear a clicking sound when you accelerate.

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, May 1st, 2024 AT 7:43 PM

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