Vibration when accelerating

Well, here is a quick list off the top of my head. Can't say if you're "killing" your car or not without a proper diagnosis of the problem.

You just had your wheels rotated? Did the shop tighten the lug nuts to the proper torque? Too much may cause rotor damage or stripped threads. You might check for loose lug nuts. Even competent people overlook things once in a while.

Have you checked your CV boots, inner and outer on both sides of the front, for possible splits and flung grease?

Bad wheel balance, dented rim, or maybe a rock or other foreign object in the tread? Rare, but sometimes a wheel balance weight can come off.

Checked tire pressures lately? Might also check for tread separation. Are all tires the same make, model, and have rolling circumference within 1/4"?

Could be rotors, if they have gotten so bad as to be rubbing things when not applying the brakes.

Front differential? Maybe check your oil level there.

Worn / missing suspension bushings?

Bad struts?

~Brian

I doubt anyone here can tell you if its SAFE or not, if it is in danger of stalling - that is a safety issue to me. It definitely sounds like you have 1 or 2 real problems though. Do you detect any 'jerky' vibration maneuvering in parking lots? Is the check engine light on? Do you have a dealership or mechanic you trust to check it out?

Carl

Random ideas to augment what's already been said: misfires, not yet numerous enough to trigger a check engine light

worn motor mounts combined with the above would produce some noted movement.

How do you feel the shaking? Stuttering stumbling acceleration? As though teh engine is vibrating excessively? In your hands from the wheel?

-- Todd H.

I failed to mention the Engine Light has been on for a year, due to exhaust sensor (P420). I have the leak fixed, but it the light still comes one. I haven't read the codes since the new problem started.

The vibration seems to becoming from the engine on acceleration and form the steering wheel while braking, unless the engine down shifts in which case I feel both.

This is my first Subaru and I've already put 100k on it, total 140k. How many miles do these things get before the engine or transmission go out? I'll check the plugs in the morning and take it the mechanic if I can't find anything.

Thanks for the replys,

- Charlie.

Um... I'm gonna go out on a limb here and suggest perhaps reading the codes. Betcha got a sensor problem and or a misfire code awaiting you.

Warped rotors are the most likely cause of the the braking pulsation. Causes include n*****ts using torque wrenches without torque sticks at tire and brake places, and/or machining rotors -- it just seems to happen.

With all due respect, it sorta depends on--among other things--how long the nut that holds the wheel ignores check engine lights.

Best Regards,

-- Todd H.

Doh--meant to say "impact wrenches"

-- Todd H.

Could be some engine misfire codes and also somecode related to a sensor, MAF or maybe IACV or ?

And the brake rotor issue is a good one to look at for the vibration on braking. I'd be tempted to get new rotors. Often, turning them will only be a temporary benefit. More on that issue here;

Carl

Ok, so I checked the codes. Just the expected P0420. I cleared that last week and nothing has come back since. The engine trying to die happen again last night. Common cause was rapid braking due to an unexpected red light. Both times it was the same, I'm going about 50, and rapidly slow down, the tach drops way too low (