Working to correct a case of "Abarth Shudder"

[ewflyer]

Sorry, I didn't mean to be offensive. I'm hanging out in a 56 year old, old guy bubble myself, and basically won't watch any videos unless I'm desperate.

No problem, I don't mind putting it into words.

PA? When I was young I lived in Palmer Township (between Nazareth and Easton)

[ewflyer]

I saw that clip too.

Yes, it was his experience (as it played out in the 2 videos you and I are referencing) that made me wonder if the shudder might be a combination of old/torn engine mounts and a right-side drive shaft that is worn and sloppy.

They seemed to think that the car was slightly better after the engine mounts were replaced. But they were really happy after the drive shaft replacement. So I'm going to do the same, in the same order, with a thorough test-drive evaluation in between.

[Fiat500USA]

Yeah, videos are a desperation act for me, too. A nice write-up with a couple pictures is worth its weight in gold. Seeking back and forth in the videos, pacing, camera work, etc. You end up with a 14 minute video with the torque numbers (for instance) scattered throughout when you are probably just looking for help in one or two steps you can find instantly with a skim or a Ctrl+f + keyword.

Videos are just popular because propping up a camera and talking stream of consciousness requires very little effort compared to a real write-up.

That's good to know. When I write the How To guides on Fiat500USA.com I think in the back of my mind if I should be doing a video.

[Fiat500USA]

Typically a vibration when accelerating is CV Joint. Of course, at 50K there is wear and tear on everything, so it makes sense that replacing items like mounts that absorb vibration will help dampen feeling vibrations.

A quick thought is to inspect the rubber boots on the CV Joints to see if there is any leakage of grease. Obviously a torn boot is a red flag we all know about, but leakage at the clamp is a less obvious failure.

Worn engine mounts can put strains on CV Joints, too, especially on inner joints. In some cases, it doesn't take much for a worn motor mount to cause an inner CV Joint apart. That is another red flag for a technician to look if they come across an axle shaft that pulled apart while driving. So you can see some wear on mounts can lead to issues.

It can be a combination of things that can conspire to cause these vibrations. Many times one worn thing has a domino effect. Let us know how you make out.

[KellyfromVA]

My 2012 Abarth has developed a case of "Abarth Shudder" which is a subtle-but-unmistakable shaking feeling that is most noticeable when you spend time at around 3,000 RPM (like cruising in traffic on the highway).

The shudder has a mild, smooth feeling. It isn't sharp or rough as if there loose parts or parts knocking together, and it seems to me that it's most obvious when I'm cruising along with the revs at around 3,000 and I begin giving the engine more throttle. There are plenty of times (different speeds and engine RPMs) where I can't feel the shudder at all (or I'm just not able to notice it).

The question is: What the hell causes Abarth Shudder?

Is your car an automatic or manual transmission?

[ewflyer]

Is your car an automatic or manual transmission?

Why would anyone drive an automatic Abarth? (I kid, I kid, easy now auto-drivers, your life choices are all valid and reasonable...)

[ftorpedo]

Yes, it was his experience (as it played out in the 2 videos you and I are referencing) that made me wonder if the shudder might be a combination of old/torn engine mounts and a right-side drive shaft that is worn and sloppy.

They seemed to think that the car was slightly better after the engine mounts were replaced. But they were really happy after the drive shaft replacement. So I'm going to do the same, in the same order, with a thorough test-drive evaluation in between.

Hi sir, did you ever found the problem ?

[ewflyer]

Hi sir, did you ever found the problem ?

My final analysis of the shudder/shake was that it came from 2 sources (maybe even 3 sources).

The first thing I replaced was the right-side drive shaft. This seemed to make some improvement, but did not completely solve it.

The second thing I replaced were the engine mounts. This mostly solved the issue.

Soon after I replaced the engine mounts and right-side drive shaft I got a misfire OBDII code on one of the cylinders. I replaced all of the spark plugs (it was time to do that anyway). It may be true that this final bit of maintenance was the final item needed to get the car smoothed out again. I wonder if the spark on the cylinder with the misfire OBDII code was weak long before the code came on.

Anyway these are the things I replaced, and in the end I had the car running smooth again.