Technical Vibration and Driveshaft Replacement

[LRConradie]

2015 Fiat 500L Pop

bought the car in 2018 with only 2500km.

Did about 10000km since then and we got a really bad vibration, felt like the gearbox and engine wanted to get out of the car.

Took the car to Fiat dealership to be told that both drive shafts had excessive wear on them.

1. Is this even possible that both drive shafts with only 13000km total can be worn like this?

We had them replaced at Fiat with a Goodwill Assistance from Fiat South Africa as the car was just outside of its extended warranty.

2. Problem still persists, but now its not at the same speed as before the replacement. When in 6th gear at about 80km/h and you give gas it starts shaking and gets progressively worse, shifting between 4th,5th and 6th gear it stays.

Has anybody had similar issues as this doesn't sound right. We suspect that the car could have been in an accident prior to our ownership as a lot of internals under the dash was loose eg:airbags and radio.

Lastly what other issue can cause this as I was informed that the bearings are still 100%. Could i potentially look at faulty CV joints , something to do with the drivetrain?

 

[varesecrazy]

Hi

The only way that they could be 'faulty' at 3 years.. and very little use is

Dirt ingress.. or corrosion (through a split rubber boot)
Or deformation.. possible accident damage

80kmh is 50 mph..
Thats a little fast for driveshaft vibration..

As a test.. when it is BAD..
depress the clutch.. let engine revs drop to idle

If its still shaking.. its a rotating mass causing the shake (not engine or gearbox..as they are crawling over at that point )

Have the wheels been swapped front to back ? That will rule out another common pulsing vibration

 

[jackwhoo]

2,500km in its first 3 years?

 

[varesecrazy]

2,500km in its first 3 years?

That adds up ..
If sat in a repairers yard for a while

 

[jackwhoo]

That adds up ..
If sat in a repairers yard for a while

That's what crossed my mind, but doesn't quite fit in with worn out drive shafts.
Maybe all the engine mounts need checking.

 

[varesecrazy]

In the op's position

..
I would elevate the front end securely.. and Let it run

Its amazing.. with front wheels of the ground .. a quick prod of the accelrator will get 200kmh in seconds

So you can see which side is pulsing.. and at what speed range