Vibration under low Acceleration [Archive]

wackojacko

08-22-2008, 06:51 AM

B9LTD83

08-23-2008, 08:52 PM

sounds like a bad balance of the tires... either that or if you hit a curb or a big pot hole, you probably need an alignment

wackojacko

08-25-2008, 06:57 PM

sounds like a bad balance of the tires... either that or if you hit a curb or a big pot hole, you probably need an alignment

I would normally think that but it does not occur at high speeds, which would be balance. I think it's a gear ratio problem. More wondering if anyone else has experienced it and had a resolution with their dealer. No pot holes or curbs either. I've had both alignment and balance issues in my driving history and I'm sure that it's not that. But thanks for the suggestions.

Anyone else...

Magic Marker

08-26-2008, 05:01 AM

It's dealer time

hawker800mech

08-29-2008, 07:54 AM

Does it do it in any gear at the same speed? Try it in different gears in manual mode.

Have you been using a different brand of fuel or maybe try a different brand of fuel? I notice my B9 is very moody with different brands and with the seasonal fuel blends.

wackojacko

08-29-2008, 03:22 PM

Fuel is interesting - I always buys my gas from Canadian Tire gas bar (I'm in Canada of course) Maybe try filling up elsewhere.

It seems to be when the RPM's are low. Could be in 4th or 5th I beleive. It's been reduced in the last week as I've tried to drive conservative to see how good I can get the fuel economy. Keeping acceleration under 20% and crusing at 5-10% acceleration. Fuel economy has been greatly improved - like 20% from 16 to 18 MPG on the computer. It still vibrates but not as strong.

I will try the gas with my next fill up and tell you how that tank goes.

hawker800mech

08-31-2008, 06:43 PM

I think it may be the engine computer doing its thing and maybe a different fuel may improve it. I have the 3.0l and it hates being below 1500 rpms, but it is a higher revver than the 3.6l. What kind of rpms are you talking about when it jutters? A little different, but a friend of mine has an older Mustang with a high rev cam and it shakes the car below 1500 rpms when driving steadily. It may be a trait with our engine. I know my old OB at idle would wobble at idle (and was kind of anoying). A common trait due to the solid rubber engine mounts.

wackojacko

09-01-2008, 07:39 AM

Hey Hawker,

Not sure on the exact RPM but probably around 1500, I know it's 5-15% on the acceleration meter on the centre display.

I just filled up yesterday with another brand (Petro Canada) this time. Still only 87 ocatane though. Drove about 70 miles and it seems to have decreased. Will see how this tank goes and let you guys know the results.

Sucks I get a good deal and the Canadian Tire gas station but I rather have a smooth ride then a good deal.

Sutton Tribeca

11-18-2008, 09:19 AM

I know this thread is a little old, but did you ever get anywhere with this? I have an 08, 7 pass w/ Nav/RSE and it's done it since I've had it. It happens under low acceleration when tranny is in lockout. Most noticable on the highway on slight inclines or flats where you try to maintain a speed of about 45-60 mph.

I've had it to the dealer in the past to get it looked at...They couldn't replicate the problem. Today I went for a ride with the tech and demonstrated. He did some research and tells me it's normal.

I don't like the explaination. I've had lots of cars and I've spent enough on this car to not have this problem. It's frustrating.

wackojacko

11-18-2008, 02:33 PM

I guess it good to hear I'm not alone. I'm due for an oil change soon, actually going to switch to Synthetic at that time. Going to ask them to investigate. All my friends think it is not normal so I hope my dealer doesn't tell me the same thing as yours.

Sutton Tribeca

11-19-2008, 04:30 AM

You're not alone. This is actually my wife's car and I've been taking it to work for the last couple of days. Needless to say, I'm much less tolerant than she is about the issue. It's most noticable as I I slightly accelerate on the highway, and I would have never bought the car if it performed like this. I just spoke with a transmission shop and I'm going to get a second opinion. A description of the problem to them prompted them to say - "there's no way a car in 08 should have lockup chatter" and I would agree.

I'm not going to let this go - it's either it gets fixed or I'm going to leave the car on their lot!

Sutton Tribeca

11-23-2008, 06:51 AM

I heard from the dealer on Friday. The apparently had another car come into the dealership with a similar problem. They have since contacted Subaru and are working on a resolution. We'll see how long this takes, but I'm going to keep in touch with them. They state that it's not doing any harm to the vehicle, but that it's definitely not right and that it will be fixed. They just don't know what's causing it just yet! I'll keep you updated.

schnoofty

02-14-2009, 05:15 PM

I have had the same issue since new. 08 Premium Tribeca in Australia,

The dealer has said it is the torque converter and they are replacing it under warranty. Apparantly it is out of balance and as you accelarate you drive through the vibration. I get the car back next week. Lets hope this is the fix as it is very annoying. They have had a number of complaints about this from what I have been told.

schnoofty

02-27-2009, 07:04 PM

My vibration has been fixed with new torque converter and a sensor in the transmission. It now rides beautifully. All done under warranty.:)

Sutton Tribeca

03-19-2009, 09:56 AM

Great to hear. I opened up an issue with Subaru USA.

I ended up going back to the dealer a couple of weeks ago. i'm told that there is a "new" torque converter that will be available in 2-7 weeks. The dealer is going to wait for that and install that as the fix.

Magic Marker

03-19-2009, 04:25 PM

So is this primarily an 08 thing?

wackojacko

03-19-2009, 04:51 PM

So is this primarily an 08 thing?

According to the Subaru Technical Information System website, http://techinfo.subaru.com it’s the 08 & 09 that list the issue.

Go under the Reference Publications tab at the top and then 2008 or 2009, and Tribeca.

Then click on the Subaru Bulletins > Technical Service Bulletins (http://techinfo.subaru.com/html/ixSearchKwBu.jsp?model_year=2008&vehicle_line=Tribeca&publication_type=16&text_keyword=&keyword=&bulletin=3)

Towards the bottom is 5AT Torque Converter Shudder/Vibration (225.23 kb) 16-74-09

5AT Torque Converter Shudder/Vibration

Service Bulletin #16-74-09
Pages: 2

Bulletin Description: If you encounter a vehicle that has a shudder/vibration which could be felt in 3rd, 4th and 5th gear during slight acceleration, it may be caused by the transmission torque converter during lockup operation. A countermeasure was made to the final machining process of the sliding surface for the lock up clutch to provide more stabilization and eliminate the shudder/vibration.

This is exactly my issues, I thought it had subsided or reduced but it’s back.

Not sure what their solution is, maybe replace torque converter? I find out.

Sutton Tribeca

03-20-2009, 01:28 AM

My dearer tells me that they are going to replace the torque converter...I'll update once I have more info. My dealer doesn't even have the new converter on order yet, they say it's not available, but it would seem to me they could order it anyway.

I'm bringing the car in on Monday for new bushings anyway. I'll see what they have to say.

mwoo68

10-17-2009, 01:04 PM

Hi Guys,

Had my 08 w/DVD & NAV since January. For the last few months I've noticed a vibration when under low acceleration. Anywhere from 60-80 KM's or 35-50MPH If the acceleration is around 5-10% (on the display) the vehicle vibrates. Don't feel it in the steering wheel so I'm assuming it's in the backend (feel it throughout the vehicle though)

Feels similar to when a manual transmission is shifted into a higher gear too early. Was just at the dealer but did not bother asking, thought it better to check with my brothers and sisters here to get an idea before I pay for some inspection.

Let me know if anyone else has experienced this.

Thanks.

I know this thread is old, but I gotta a problem that might be similar. I am from GTA as well.

I just picked up an '09 Tribeca Premiere and all seems fine except when I'm going around 70km to 80km an hour. On the smoothest of new paved ashpalt, I can feel vibrations in my butt, but is not present at other speeds up or down, seems only between 70-80 as most evident. I even notice this when I release the gas (coasting), I can feel this vibration! Do I have the same situation as you? What fix did they do and did it work?

Thanks!
mwoo68

Sutton Tribeca

10-17-2009, 04:28 PM

I had the torque converter replaced, and well it's better but it's not completely gone. I still have an open issue with Subaru USA, but it's hard to get back to the dealer.

This is a known issue, it happens at speed under slight acceleration. I'm sure if you take it to a dealer they'll know what to do... The fix is to replace the torque converter with a newer revision. I have no idea what the difference is, but it did help.

Unfortunately now that they replaced it, I get a hard shift out of park...I hope that's something they can adjust...

I'm actually due for an oil change so I'll let them look at this all sometime in the next two weeks.

Good luck!

yamahaman09

10-20-2009, 11:44 AM

Hi all,

I have this same exact problem. I do city style driving 90% of the time and it happens at least twice a day in the speed range from 20-40 mph. I have around 13,000 miles on it now. This has been an ongoing problem since I bought the car in November of '08. It was a brand new '09.

The car was brought to the dealer at least three times for this problem and at the end of the day nothing changed. I even broke down in Boston Massachusetts and it was towed to the dealer. To fix it they simply reprogrammed the transmission. It didn't do anything.

I even sent Subaru a lemon law letter because i felt the dealer was not doing anything. Subaru technical came and looked at with the resolution "that's how it's suppose to perform". This transmission is a lemon and Subaru has failed to realize it. Now they are putting it in all their new cars. I hope America will wake up and demand a recall.

mwoo68

10-20-2009, 11:52 AM

LORE BECA

10-21-2009, 09:18 AM

How many miles do you guys have on cars to notice this, mine is 09 TRIBECA and not had it yet?

I know about shudder, but not noticed yet.

mwoo68

10-21-2009, 09:26 AM

How many miles do you guys have on cars to notice this, mine is 09 TRIBECA and not had it yet?

I know about shudder, but not noticed yet.

Soon as I drove off the lot, I informed the dealer about it. Its brand new. I bought 09 at year end Oct. 15

I told them I'll give it a bit more driving to see if its tires or whatever and if it goes away. After researching online and this site, I'm positive I have a shudder/vibration in the speed range I mentioned earlier. You can feel it rumble in the seats but not in the stearing wheel.

It might not be on all cars, so you may be lucky!

Finally today 11-23-09, dealer looked at it and acknowledged there is a bit of vibration at the 80km speed, but it is normal for this type of vehicle. That is crap!!! I told them a cavalier feels smoother than this. I told them I'll monitor it but really I had to go pick up the kids. I wanted to give it to them. Also, I told them the 2nd row seats vibrates, and the answer is its because of the shudder/vibration. WTF?

I'll be going back in a week or so to give it to them. I even printed out the bulletin about the vibration/shudder and 2nd row seats issue, and they told me I got those from the american site and canada is not the same, so until canada issues a bulletin, there is nothing to be done.

Trueblue

12-10-2009, 12:49 AM

Looks like I'll be calling the dealer about this too.....feels like its gonna stall sometimes around the 40klm/h mark.

bsll

12-11-2009, 04:53 AM

Mi problem vibration a 1500 rpm the dealer change de torque converter and the problem finish sorry for my english i am from spain

Good Luck

Trueblue

12-11-2009, 05:04 AM

Mi problem vibration a 1500 rpm the dealer change de torque converter and the problem finish sorry for my english i am from spain

Good Luck

No problem ;)

thanks for the feedback

saintnick

12-15-2009, 06:56 PM

I have this too! Dealer said they could not reproduce. just ran out of warranty- will they fix the tsb after warranty?

mwoo68

12-16-2009, 03:40 AM

I have this too! Dealer said they could not reproduce. just ran out of warranty- will they fix the tsb after warranty?

My issue is still ongoing. As I said, they claim the shudder/vibration is normal for this car. I was shocked. So shocked, I just left without a word. Well, its not over. I've got just under 3 years warranty left!!!

I showed them the TSB about it and the fix suggested. They didn't even bother to to investigate further, just saying, "we don't follow USA TSB", we follow only Canada's.

As I said, its not over. Anybody manage to get a good dealer to really try and solve vibration/shudder issue, please post!

wackojacko

01-18-2010, 11:45 AM

My issue is still ongoing. As I said, they claim the shudder/vibration is normal for this car. I was shocked. So shocked, I just left without a word. Well, its not over. I've got just under 3 years warranty left!!!

I showed them the TSB about it and the fix suggested. They didn't even bother to to investigate further, just saying, "we don't follow USA TSB", we follow only Canada's.

As I said, its not over. Anybody manage to get a good dealer to really try and solve vibration/shudder issue, please post!

Which dealer, I basically got the same response from Mississauga Subaru, without having the TSB in hand.

On a weird note, I put on new winter tires (full set of Firestone Winterforce 17", without TPMS) and the shuttering seems to have gone away. Tires went on Jan 3 and I have not been able to feel it since, and I've tried. I'm thinking it might be brought on by uneven tire wear. I had 16,000 miles on the OE tires and had not rotated them. Dealer said in December that the OE tires were something like 6mm left on the fronts and 6.5mm on the rears. I've read other spots that you can have drive train issues if you only replace say your front tires.

I'm thinking there is still a shuttering issues with my ride but it is increased by the uneven tires (front to back), anybody have any thoughts on this theory?

mwoo68

02-23-2010, 09:28 AM

Have you pursued this any further. I'll be going in again in about a month when I do my oil change and go at it again! Does you car exhibit any rattling in 2nd row or rear gate?

Which dealer, I basically got the same response from Mississauga Subaru, without having the TSB in hand.

On a weird note, I put on new winter tires (full set of Firestone Winterforce 17", without TPMS) and the shuttering seems to have gone away. Tires went on Jan 3 and I have not been able to feel it since, and I've tried. I'm thinking it might be brought on by uneven tire wear. I had 16,000 miles on the OE tires and had not rotated them. Dealer said in December that the OE tires were something like 6mm left on the fronts and 6.5mm on the rears. I've read other spots that you can have drive train issues if you only replace say your front tires.

I'm thinking there is still a shuttering issues with my ride but it is increased by the uneven tires (front to back), anybody have any thoughts on this theory?

wackojacko

02-23-2010, 09:51 AM

Have you pursued this any further. I'll be going in again in about a month when I do my oil change and go at it again! Does you car exhibit any rattling in 2nd row or rear gate?

Have not been back to dealer. Just went on a long drive to Pittsburgh and the vibration was not there. Had 3 guys in the vehicle with me and no shutter. I think the tires might be a contributor to the issue. I'll see in the spring when the OE tires go back on (rotated of course)

I have the rattle. Not sure where, it was not present on the trip to Pitts, but that was because the second row has 450lbs of passenger weight and the back had luggage with the third row folded down. the rattle is there now with no cargo. Think I might have all the rattles including the rear compartment cover. I have a box sitting back there on the cover and the rattle is less. It might be jumping up and down on the hinges (this is the cover over the jack)

mwoo68

02-24-2010, 11:31 AM

Have not been back to dealer. Just went on a long drive to Pittsburgh and the vibration was not there. Had 3 guys in the vehicle with me and no shutter. I think the tires might be a contributor to the issue. I'll see in the spring when the OE tires go back on (rotated of course)

I have the rattle. Not sure where, it was not present on the trip to Pitts, but that was because the second row has 450lbs of passenger weight and the back had luggage with the third row folded down. the rattle is there now with no cargo. Think I might have all the rattles including the rear compartment cover. I have a box sitting back there on the cover and the rattle is less. It might be jumping up and down on the hinges (this is the cover over the jack)

I'm glad for you that your's is not as bad as mine. I have a 1997 Acura 1.6EL and at 80km cruising speed, its smoother than the Tribeca. The tribeca exhibits vibration that is easily felt. Being told that they feel it also and that it is normal for this car! $48K car is normal!?! My car was an early 2009 build, in fact, it was the showroom car that came from Mississauga Subaru. Silver Premium. Not sure how long it was the showroom car, but the nail scratches on the push handle of the trunk storage hatch tells me its been on 'show' for a while...

goodhobbes

03-07-2010, 04:53 PM

I have posted here, somewhere, before about this issue. Problem since new in a 08 Tribeca!
I have had two torque converters replaced. Several other items replaced or looked at to try to address this problem. Probably a dozen visits to dealers in 35,000 km for this problem.
One dealer who just became disinterested and another who bent over backwards to try and address the problem. Sadly, the problem remains, and the last dealer who tried to fix the problem (while keeping the car for about a month, and communicating with Subaru Canada on a regular basis) stated that Subaru Canada advised them that the problem in question was normal and there was no fix!
That dealer also told me that after I took my car in, they had two more Tribecas with a similar complaint!
I am presently dealing personally with Subaru Canada, and hope to have a reply soon.
Based on what I read in this Forum, this is a more widespread problem than
I once believed. I wonder if Subaru is facing a Major Problem!! Bearing in mind that The new Outback is also available with a similar engine and transmission?
Keep on posting! Maybe Subaru will address the issue!

mwoo68

03-07-2010, 05:21 PM

I have had two torque converters replaced. Several other items replaced or looked at to try to address this problem. Probably a dozen visits to dealers in 35,000 km for this problem.

Interesting. I can't even get them to replace the torque converter, only that this shudder/vibration is normal for this car. I printed off the TSB for this issue and it claims the torque converter should address the issue along with maybe a reflash.

Can you re-describe your problem in detail just to be certain it is the same as mine. Mine is most obvious at 80km/hr.

What dealer have you been taking your car to in Canada? I'm very interested in your case since since you have a Canadian Tribeca. Alot of my information I give to my dealer, they quickly reinforce the fact that they do NOT follow Subaru of America TSB's, only Subaru of Canada! While all Tribecas are all made alongside each other in Indiana, I'd think one problem should be same for both borders.

Keep us posted how you make out and what course of action plays out. I get the feeling my dealer hopes I just accept the vibration and live with it and stop being a whiner!

If you are willing to band together at Subaru of Canada, PM me and I'll join your cause. How long have you been dealing with Subaru Canada? And whom is your contact?

kito

04-10-2010, 06:46 PM

HI
I'm from Uruguay- just purchased a 09 Tribeca with 19000km

I felt this vibration problem since the beggining, and searched in the forum, and found the description mentioned here is exactly what I feel - with transmision locked about 1500 rpm it's annoying. Specially at 30-40 km, and at 70-80.
Also when that happens, gears do some silly up and down, like they dont decide what gear to use.

Before seeing this thread I went to the dealer and told be some vibration was normal, but I wan't really able to show them the vibration, as some streets were a bit harsh.
Now that I found it happend to others I'll go back again.
I'll let you know. Wish me luck

tribeca09

04-11-2010, 05:59 AM

I'm not positive this is the same thing you guys are experiencing, but it sounds similar to me.

Last night I noticed that as I'm accelerating (but only if I do it mildly) at about 60 mph (which is 96 kph) up through about 65 mph there is a vibration. The vibration feels like the car is going over those rumble strips on the side of the road used to wake up sleepy drivers -- but without the noise. At first, I was convinced it was the road. However, I was able to duplicate the vibration several times.

Is this torque converter causing this?

kito

04-11-2010, 08:41 AM

I've done some research on the web, and found this same problem described in legacy forums (cars with same gearbox). And also found the same problem related to other brands equipped with the same 5AT gearbox.
Has anyone seen this?
Maybe it's a problem involved with the gearbox and not just Tribecas.

Reading through this forum and others about this problem it seems in some cases problem was solved just by reprogramming the software. Is this right?

mwoo68

05-05-2010, 11:39 AM

Which dealer, I basically got the same response from Mississauga Subaru, without having the TSB in hand.

On a weird note, I put on new winter tires (full set of Firestone Winterforce 17", without TPMS) and the shuttering seems to have gone away. Tires went on Jan 3 and I have not been able to feel it since, and I've tried. I'm thinking it might be brought on by uneven tire wear. I had 16,000 miles on the OE tires and had not rotated them. Dealer said in December that the OE tires were something like 6mm left on the fronts and 6.5mm on the rears. I've read other spots that you can have drive train issues if you only replace say your front tires.

I'm thinking there is still a shuttering issues with my ride but it is increased by the uneven tires (front to back), anybody have any thoughts on this theory?

Finally, service manager finally took it for a drive and noticed the shudder that I was referring to. He claims it is the torque converter but needs to isolate the issue a bit more to make the case to Subaru of Canada even knowing full well it is a well documented issue in the US. This is the first step to getting it resolved now that the service manager seems to be on my side.

mwoo68

05-06-2010, 08:10 AM

According to the Subaru Technical Information System website, http://techinfo.subaru.com it’s the 08 & 09 that list the issue.

Go under the Reference Publications tab at the top and then 2008 or 2009, and Tribeca.

Then click on the Subaru Bulletins > Technical Service Bulletins (http://techinfo.subaru.com/html/ixSearchKwBu.jsp?model_year=2008&vehicle_line=Tribeca&publication_type=16&text_keyword=&keyword=&bulletin=3)

Towards the bottom is 5AT Torque Converter Shudder/Vibration (225.23 kb) 16-74-09

5AT Torque Converter Shudder/Vibration

Service Bulletin #16-74-09
Pages: 2

Bulletin Description: If you encounter a vehicle that has a shudder/vibration which could be felt in 3rd, 4th and 5th gear during slight acceleration, it may be caused by the transmission torque converter during lockup operation. A countermeasure was made to the final machining process of the sliding surface for the lock up clutch to provide more stabilization and eliminate the shudder/vibration.

This is exactly my issues, I thought it had subsided or reduced but it’s back.

Not sure what their solution is, maybe replace torque converter? I find out.

I've posted the TSB that you are referring to in the TSB section.

Trueblue

05-25-2010, 07:38 PM

My vibration/shudder has been fixed with a new torque converter. The Area manager knew of the problem straight away and ordered the part. All done under warranty too. Very happy now!!!

goodhobbes

05-25-2010, 08:35 PM

Glad to hear it. I have had two torque converters replaced without benefit and Subaru refuses to deal with the problem.
Be aware that the problem MAY recur .
Hope it does not for your sake.
:tup:

kito

08-23-2010, 11:19 AM

I took my Tribeca to the dealer 2 months ago for this problem. In fact I had to take it also because all lights relationed to transmission went on suddenly.

They don't know exactly what happened, but also with my earlier claim for the vibration they had instructions from the manufacturer to try first downloading a new software for the auto transmission, before changing the torque converter.

As a result the vibration didn't dissapear at all, but, it became almost unnoticeable. And, sometimes, when it seemd it's about to start to vibrate, the torque converted unlocks.
So, I believe what they've done is to change to software in order that the gearbox avoids the specific conditions in which it vibrated. Clever!!

For the moment, those small vibrations I have now make me wonder that it'll probably be better not to have the gearbox touched again - I'm afraid of the consequences of someone messing with it - vibration is not really a bothering issue now.

The only fact is that sometimes I find the torque converter locks in conditions that it shouldn't lock - sometimes locking and lowering rpms to about 1100-1200.