Isolating Vibration

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Sonoma, 2003 GMC Jimmy, 2003 Chevrolet S10 Pickup, and 2003 Chevrolet Blazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Some engine/transaxle combinations cannot be balanced in this manner due to limited clearances between the torque converter bolts and the engine. Ensure that the bolts do not bottom out in the lug nuts or the torque converter cover could be dented and cause internal damage.

To isolate and correct a flywheel or torque converter vibration, separate the torque converter from the flywheel to determine if vibration is in the engine or transmission.

With the engine at idle speed and the transmission in PARK or NEUTRAL, observe the vibration.
Turn the engine OFF.
Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE in General Information.
Remove the transmission converter cover bolts and the cover.
Mark the relationship of the converter to the flywheel.
Remove the bolts attaching the converter to the flywheel.
Slide the torque converter away from the flywheel.
Rotate the flywheel and torque converter to inspect for defects or missing balance weights. Refer to ENGINE FLYWHEEL CLEANING AND INSPECTION in Engine Mechanical - 2.2L or ENGINE FLYWHEEL CLEANING AND INSPECTION in Engine Mechanical - 4.3L.
Lower the vehicle.
With the engine at idle speed and the transmission in PARK or NEUTRAL, observe the vibration. Refer to DIAGNOSTIC STARTING POINT - VIBRATION DIAGNOSIS AND CORRECTION in Vibration Diagnosis and Correction.
Turn the engine OFF.