Vibration while driving. Clutch or flywheel? Pics inside

[Takeshi]

Hi everybody,

I´m struggleing with a vibration on my IS200 (2003 sportcross).

Since a few months ago a small vibration appeared while driving, specially at low speeds. Sooner the vibration it came heavier, and with even some noise at low rpms. I really thought it was the flywheel, based on the symptoms and comments from a few friends who are mechanics (unfortunately they don´t live on my city to check it up).

I replaced last year the clutch by an exedy one with springs (DIY moment 🙂 ). Didn´t notice anything "wrong" after replacing, assuming it was correctly installed.

So, as the noise and vibration it came louder and harder, I decided to open up again today. The flywheel doesn´t have any axial play, while the "left-right" free play is only for 2 teeths, as you can see on pics, seems quite in a good shape. (I marked in white where I felt resistance from the springs to the left and right)

What about the clutch? could be the springs that are making this vibration and noise? Need to say vibration or noise dissapears at high rpms and when no gear in engaged.

I read in some posts that vibration can lead from the U joint which holds the driveshaft or the silentblocks from the diff.

Please, share your thoughst about the situation. I´m quite lost at this moment. Thanks 👍👍

[Britprius]

Have you checked the spigot bearing in the centre of the crankshaft?

John.

[Takeshi]

10 hours ago, Britprius said:

Have you checked the spigot bearing in the centre of the crankshaft?

John.

Hi John,

Thanks for your reply.

Didn´t check that, good point. Will check it tonight. 👍

[Takeshi]

So, as John suggested I took a look to the spigot bearing, a bit dirty but not bended or in a bad shape to make that vibration/noise IMO. Should I replace it?

Then i checked the rear propeller shaft.... and that one had a free play quite scary. Is missing a small part, which is causing that free play. Here is a pic:

[Britprius]

The universal joint is well broken. It looks like the cups are welded in unless in the picture unless the circlips are covered in dirt.

Although the spigot bearing only looks dirty I would change it for what it will cost, and the difficulty to get at it if it does fail. Fill the bearing full of grease and with a round rod or socket with an extension fitted hammer the rod into the hole filled with grease. You may have to do this several times but it will pop the bearing out.

John 

[Takeshi]

12 hours ago, Britprius said:

The universal joint is well broken. It looks like the cups are welded in unless in the picture unless the circlips are covered in dirt.

Although the spigot bearing only looks dirty I would change it for what it will cost, and the difficulty to get at it if it does fail. Fill the bearing full of grease and with a round rod or socket with an extension fitted hammer the rod into the hole filled with grease. You may have to do this several times but it will pop the bearing out.

John 

Hi John,

Thanks for taking a look.

Indeed, is broken. was still managing to transfer the power back, but in a really bad way. The free play is scary, so could break a part anytime.

I will take your advice and replace the bearing, better to do now that everything is unmounted.

Keep in touch.

[Takeshi]

I got a talk today with the lexus dealer. Ordered the spigot bearing and the 6 screws "one time use" from the flywheel (honestly, don´t think they are needed, but they don´t cost too much). 

I also asked about the propeller shaft, and the price is: 1700€ 😞 I didn´t think to buy it, but I was curious about the new price. Anyway, he adviced if I go for second hand unit, I should buy both pieces (the one connected to the tranny and the one connected to the diff, which is broken in my case). He said both pieces are weighted and balanced together prior to mount, placing only one unit from another vehicle could cause some vibration (he insisted in the "could" part. Maybe it doesn´t happen, but there is a possibility). 

Anyone hear about that?