Vibration Theory and Terminology: Cycle

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2002 GMC Envoy XL, 2002 GMC Envoy, and 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Powertrain Vibration Cycles

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Callout	Component Name
1	1st Cycle
2	2nd Cycle
3	3rd Cycle
4	Time

Fig 2: Identifying Vibration Cycles In Powertrain Components

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Callout	Component Name
1	Spindle
2	Pinion Nose

The word cycle comes from the same root as the word circle. A circle begins and ends at the same point, as thus, so does a cycle. All vibrations consist of repetitive cycles.