Passat TDI

[ashl77707801]

I have a 1998 passat estate tdi. at around 1800 revs the car shakes badly. It sounds like a poor gear selection however at say 1500 revs in fourth gear it is smooth. I have had one of these cars before and never had a problem. I know theres a fault somewhere, What could it be?

Many Thanks

[KJN]

Tracking and or wheels need balancing? just a thought.why do you seem to think its to do with gear selection? this will help us decide.

[ashl77707801]

No sorry, I do not think that gear selections are anything to do with it either. If it was tracking or wheel balancing would the car not shake at higher speeds? at 80 mph its really smooth. Its at its worst going slow through town in say second or third gear though does do it in fourth as well.

Thanks for your help so far

[KJN]

My son has a Citroen C3 which has just had some work on it (steering linkage replaced) and when the car was returned it shook between 50-60mph over 60 fine under 50 fine, the car went back had the tracking re aligned and its fine now, this is what is swaying me to say its tracking, (also I have been driving for many years now) if the tracking is out it does not mean to say that the car will only shake at higher speeds (as per above case), Its not very expensive to have checked I would go for this option first as its going to be the cheapest, best to start the elimination with the cheapest way.Let me know and good luck.

[qapmoc]

Many small diesel engines some kind of a vibration absorber weight which is rubber mounted and built in to and part of the front crankshaft pulley, if this breaks or otherwise falls apart you can get these type of problems.

[stanleyman]

A number of things to check and eliminate asap. Wheel nuts, all there and tight, wheel trim all there in good order and tight, tyres, correct pressures, no visible damage, jackup and spin to look for lumps and bulges in wheels and tyres, wheel bearings, no excessive play or noise, cv joints, no play, noise or damaged gaiters, engine mounts, not loose or worn, engine firing on all cylinders, steering joints not worn, rack and pinion tight, tracking ok, shock absorbers ok, wheels all balanced, usually this will be notice between 60-70mph.

That should keep you busy but if in doubt have it checked over properly, you don't want something going wrong at 80mph, why are you driving at 80 anyway?