Flutter NOT while shifting (5.0)

[rizzjc]

OK, I've got one of those odd problems that's driving me crazy. I've got a '97 AWD V8, and recently I started to feel this "flutter" while traveling at about 40-50 mph on open road, with constant pressure on the gas pedal, not accelerating. At first it was very subtle, and almost like you were hitting a slight imperfection in the road. Aside from me now being completely tuned into it, I think it is getting a bit worse, sometimes feeling a little more "jerky", but only for a second, but it does it a lot. I can't feel it under load (accelerating, going up a hill, etc.), and don't notice it at higher speeds, like on the highway. It's so subtle, that I hesitate to say it's not there other times, but I can't feel it.

It's not while shifting, it's not while idling. I don't notice any changes on the tach, though it feels almost like the engine is missing. I'm now leaning more towards something in the drivetrain, but what?

I need to replace the cam position sensor, and beyond that it has a used transfer case, and complete rear axle (which whines a bit, but doesn't have a bad bearing like the old one).

Obviously no codes or anything. Gas mileage has been down a bit, but could just be winter blends. A strange problem without too many clues, that hopefully some of the experts in here will have some ideas about.

 

[davey2451]

well im no expert but ill try, first i have a quick ?, y do u think u need the cam senser

 

[Turdle]

Try cleaning your maf sensor-
it may be affecting the torque converter lock up clutch solenoid-
the TPS -and the cam position sensor could also trigger it-

Just a hunch--

 

[rizzjc]

OK, a good start. I guess I may not need the cam SENSOR, but the synchronizer is chirping. I'll just replace both, when I get to it.

Jt - thanks for the ideas. I'll get that cam synchronizer done, as soon as I get in gear and order the parts, and see where I'm at. Cleaning the MAF is easy, so I'll give that a go, and then look into the TPS.

 

[abomb4601]

tune up.

try a basic tune up. plugs and wires fixed it for me. apparently its a common thing to run into. you may have a small hole in one of the boots that is causing a misfire. these small misfires may not throw a CEL so dont let that deter you. its also felt most in overdrive because the engine and drivetrain are locked in at 1:1 (i think) so any minor imperfections in the engine are felt throughout the drivetrain. i lived with this for the first 2 or 3 months that i owned my truck and it drove me crazy. simple tune up and it was gone.

my .02

 

[rizzjc]

Interesting idea. I've always been told that the 100k tune-up I did wouldn't like the Bosch platinum +4 plugs I used. It's an idea. Wires only have about 30k-40k on them, they are Autolite I think. I'll give that some thought. Thanks.

The problem is quite regular when on a nice straight road with no traffic and you can just ride the gas pedal nice and steady and cruise at about 50 mph. It would happen about every couple hundred feet if you pay attention to it. But it's not cyclical, as in a bad tire or something like that.

 

[abomb4601]

Interesting idea. I've always been told that the 100k tune-up I did wouldn't like the Bosch platinum +4 plugs I used. It's an idea. Wires only have about 30k-40k on them, they are Autolite I think. I'll give that some thought. Thanks.

The problem is quite regular when on a nice straight road with no traffic and you can just ride the gas pedal nice and steady and cruise at about 50 mph. It would happen about every couple hundred feet if you pay attention to it. But it's not cyclical, as in a bad tire or something like that.

yep exactly... thats what mine did. i would be almost certain its wires. i was convinced it was the torque converter. wires are way cheaper. so thats what i tried first and thats what it was