Vibration At Highway Speeds

Vibration associated with the Constant Velocity (CV) joints in the halfshafts occur in the 3rd and 6th order (3 or 6 events for each rotation). The inner tripod joint with three pivot axis has three events in each rotation of the halfshaft. This will produce a 3rd order vibration of the wheel rotation speed. The outer CV joint with 6 pivot axis balls has six events in each rotation of the halfshaft. This will produce a 6th order vibration of the wheel rotation speed. A 6th order vibration will create a high pitch sound, like gear noise. Use a vibration analyzer to determine the frequency of the vibration before replacing components.

SYMPTOM	POSSIBLE CAUSE	REPAIR
Low frequency vibration, matching wheel speed. Wheel balance and runout is OK.	Foreign material (plastic bags, organic sinew and road debris) fouling the halfshaft.	Clean debris from around halfshaft.
High frequency vibration matching 3rd order wheel speed.	Faulty inner tripod joint. Vehicle ride height is modified.	Replace halfshaft. Return vehicle to proper ride height.
High pitch whine sound with possible high frequency vibration in the floor matching 6th order wheel speed.	Faulty outer CV joint. Vehicle ride height is modified.	Replace halfshaft. Return vehicle to proper ride height.