Please Help 2003 Town car vibration.

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Gazerro

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2003 that just turned 100k, here is everything I have done so far.

-New plugs and Coil packs
-new trans fluid and filter
-four new tires (same issue with previous tires)
-new brakes and rotors
-front end alignment
-swapped driveshaft and u-joints

Problem: I get a vibration in my steering wheel and in my gas pedal when accelerating. The vibration in the steering wheel is mainly at about 45mph and gets more vibration the faster I am going. The vibration in my gas pedal is at about 30mph and more vibration the faster I go. The vibration in the pedal is only felt when I press down on it. I am going to change the rear differential fluid this weekend, but I don't think that would be what is causing it. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
 
Gazerro said:
2003 that just turned 100k, here is everything I have done so far.

-New plugs and Coil packs
-new trans fluid and filter
-four new tires (same issue with previous tires)
-new brakes and rotors
-front end alignment
-swapped driveshaft and u-joints

Problem: I get a vibration in my steering wheel and in my gas pedal when accelerating. The vibration in the steering wheel is mainly at about 45mph and gets more vibration the faster I am going. The vibration in my gas pedal is at about 30mph and more vibration the faster I go. The vibration in the pedal is only felt when I press down on it. I am going to change the rear differential fluid this weekend, but I don't think that would be what is causing it. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...

It sounds like a wheel out of round to me but I would have thought that would have been pointed out to you by the tire installer.
 
Rotate tires front to back and see if same symptoms reoccur. My guess is you'll feel the vibration in the rear (you'll feel it in your seat).
 
Thanks for the responses, tires have been rotated and balanced on both sets that I have had. I don't think its torque converter shutter, because it is a constant light vibration. I'm just hoping that someone has experienced this same issue, so I kinda know what to look for.
 
Gaz, I read your original post as describing the vibration as showing up at speeds of 30-45 mph, but your last refers to a constant vibration. The transmission shudder would be consistent with those speeds, but not constant. It feels like going over rough asphalt and at times like rumble strips. It feels like an engine or suspension issue and not at all what you would imagine could be a transmission problem. It is also most noticeable under acceleration. The new trans and filter cuts against it as a possibility, unless only the pan was drained. GL with solution & keep us posted.
 
You might also want to check your bearings. Recently I had a bad vibration issue in the rear that was constant but became worse at higher speeds. New bearings solved that issue.
 
Gazerro said:
2003 that just turned 100k, here is everything I have done so far.

-New plugs and Coil packs
-new trans fluid and filter
-four new tires (same issue with previous tires)
-new brakes and rotors
-front end alignment
-swapped driveshaft and u-joints

Problem: I get a vibration in my steering wheel and in my gas pedal when accelerating. The vibration in the steering wheel is mainly at about 45mph and gets more vibration the faster I am going. The vibration in my gas pedal is at about 30mph and more vibration the faster I go. The vibration in the pedal is only felt when I press down on it. I am going to change the rear differential fluid this weekend, but I don't think that would be what is causing it. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...

Have you tried a Road Force balancing of the wheels? That will generally detect any issues with the rim and tire. The throttle pedal on the 2003 should be electronic, so only electrical contact with the engine throttle body. The vibration is probably from the body which might suggest a rim/tire imbalance on the rear, to match the same on the front causing steering vibration. Depending on the tire specs you may be able to move the wheels from left to right to see if the vibrations move from driver side to passenger side.

You can google the Road Force balancing to find a local dealer with that service.

Good luck.
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dave42 said:
I don't think that started until around 2006 maybe?
Click to expand...

Rockauto does show a 2003 model Town Car with the cable operated throttle body, my bad. It shows the 2004 model and up with the throttle control motor and electrical contacts and no throttle cable mechanism. I am not much of a historian and do not have the 2003 service manual, so the 2004 electronic throttle control may be a late year introduction for the 2005 model year that definitely has throttle by wire.
 
I realize this is quite old, but did you ever track down the cause of the vibration?
 
Mark I said:
Gaz, I read your original post as describing the vibration as showing up at speeds of 30-45 mph, but your last refers to a constant vibration. The transmission shudder would be consistent with those speeds, but not constant. It feels like going over rough asphalt and at times like rumble strips. It feels like an engine or suspension issue and not at all what you would imagine could be a transmission problem. It is also most noticeable under acceleration. The new trans and filter cuts against it as a possibility, unless only the pan was drained. GL with solution & keep us posted.
Click to expand...
These are the symptoms I get. Like rumble strips. I can't tell if its torque converter or rear differential.
 
G-945324 said:
These are the symptoms I get. Like rumble strips. I can't tell if its torque converter or rear differential.
Click to expand...
i found the right side axle with a lot of play replaced axle and bearing still have same rumble in drive train 50 plus mph no slippage no gear engagement delay,,,, smooth driving great moving car but intermittent rumble while cruising
 
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