Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 70 mph vibration solved with new overflow valve

[Dennis Garrett]

For the last year, I've had a slight, buzzing, vibration between 68-74 mph. I sounded like a bad U-joint or drive shaft slighty out of balance, but never could tell for sure where it came from. I changed the joints & still had it, but it wasn't too bad & I just learned to live with it. Kind of a buzzing sound. Then last week here, someone posted about some inexpensive overflow valves, & with 190k on my original, decided I might as well get a new one. An easy, 5 minute job to replace, I tightened it up, & forgot about it. Next day, on my 35 mile commute to work, I suddenly noticed the buzzing vibration at 70 was not there anymore! It had to be the old overflow valve makeing the noise, and the new one seems to have cured it.

 

[illflem]

good info

Sounds logical. I've noticed this on hydraulic systems that have a pressure relief valve similar to our overflow valves. The ball gets scored from contacting it's seat till a little fluid creeps by and causes the valve to vibrate. On hydraulic systems with their high pressure it can get very high pitched obnoxious.

 

[bighammer]

So you got one of the $20 specials?



I'll bet he's been selling a lot of those lately. Keep him in mind if you need other stuff. Seems pretty reasonable.