Noises and vibrations can be two of the most challenging problems to resolve. It is imperative that the cause be determined before repairs are attempted. Often, parts are replaced in hopes of curing the symptoms, but there is no change. This can get expensive, as well as exasperating!
When it is suspected that the transmission is the source, the real cause can be drive line, engine, or exhaust related. Also when the vehicle is in gear, bad engine/transmission mounts can contribute due to the torque on the engine during acceleration. The torque will occur in one direction in forward and the other way in reverse. As a result, you can experience a vibration in forward or reverse and not the other.
A common technique for diagnosing the source of a drive-train related noise is the have the vehicle raised on a lift with someone in the driver’s seat and another technician underneath the vehicle. The driver can “drive” the vehicle in an attempt to duplicate the symptom or noise while the other technician can locate the source.
Before a repair is authorized, ask if this is a guess or a fix. If it’s a guess, whose money are we gambling with, the shop’s or mine?
Also, it is necessary that you be involved in the diagnosis. Never leave your vehicle at a repair facility with the expectation that the technician will be able to determine the correct symptoms and repair. This rarely results in a satisfactory resolve. The vehicle owner needs to point out the specific symptom and what circumstances are necessary to duplicate the problem. You need to be involved in the diagnosis!
