Vibrating Steering Wheel

[centralcoaster33]

I have a 1997 240SX SE I bought in March 2005. The steering wheel vibrates a lot when the car idles. Idle is around 800rpm. If I give it gas, the vibrations smooths out at about 1,100rpm. If I let off the gas the rmps drop and the vibration comes back. I've also noticed that at certain speeds the car will vibrate in a similar fashion. While driving I notice it most in the wheel, but some in the seat. A friend of mine suggested engine mounts. What do you think?

[elwesso]

I could agree with him there...

Does there feel like theres any power loss?

[centralcoaster33]

Well, there's obviously no power loss when it's parked and idling. And I wouldn't describe the vibrations while in gear as being partnered with power loss.

[95nismo240]

does the vibration go away if u put the gear in neutral?? is it auto or 5 speed?

[centralcoaster33]

It's a manual. So, it vibrates most while parked, in neutral, with e-brake on. It also starts to vibrate more in stop and go traffic like 0-15 mph after work. While in gear and driving, it seems to be when the engine is at low rpms, although I haven't figured out if it's more during acceleration, coasting, or decelleration.

[ChavezSA]

Yeah, sounds like motor mounts to me.

If you have a friend/relative that can help, you can have him/her rev the motor while you look in the engine bay. If it's motor mounts, you'll see the motor torque over really hard when revving, and it'll also shimmy when at idle.

You can also inspect the mounts themselves. Look for cracks in the rubber/urethane/whatever.

[centralcoaster33]

Hey thanks, I'll check it out tonight or tomorrow. This brings me to a new question though. Can I change the mounts easily myself? Maybe just losen the mounts, support the engine, change one at a time, then tighten the mounts? Or does the engine need to be disconnected from stuff?

[ChavezSA]

You should be able to change them without pulling the motor or disconnecting anything. Maybe a fitting or wire plug here and there. You'll need either an engine hoist or a floor jack to help suspend the motor partially while changing the mounts.

If you can spare the money, I'd recommend changing them all at once, including the transmision mount. If you decide to change all three, you also might want to look into a kit from Nismo. Typically around $200 or so for the set. You'll probably spend close to that or even more at Autozone, so you might as well get the nice Nismo mounts instead.