1G Excessive Engine Vibration, and Worn Drivetrain?

[laser_raiser]

Hey,

I acquired a 94 Laser RS Turbo AWD. I'm new to DSMs and AWD. I notice the car seems to have a bit too much vibration than I may expect. While driving I notice a good amount of vibration which comes through the interior.

After seeing a number of videos on youtube, it sounds like a lot of the cars seem to have a bit of vibration noises so I'm not sure if this is normal.

I'm concerned about whether it is the harmonic balancer or something more serious internally.

Additionally, the water pump pulley seems to have a bit of a wobble and I think the pump may be gone (I have to test the flow to make sure.) I know that on startup I hear a weird sound, and I'm suspecting dead waterpump bearings.

My third concern is how while in gear, driving, I notice what seems like pulsing between the front and rear drivetrain. Almost like the gears are worn and adding some play, which sort of ricochets momemtum back and forth in a few circumstances (minor but noticeable).

Does any of this stuff sound normal or are there some serious engine or drivetrain concerns to look into?

 

[Ksone14]

I had a similar experience except mine seemed much more violent by description. Felt like mine driveshaft was loose and wobbly and driving in gear seemed to cause it to buckle at certain speeds. What I did was changed out my driveshaft carrier bearings and my motor mounts. That solved my problem for the most part; the only time I notice the vibrations now are at 85+ mph but that may just be my tires.

 

[Novice]

Vibration while driving is usually motor mounts, I would check there first. Some guys remove the harmonic balancers and that can cause more vibration.

 

[My1GLaser]

I would check for worn motor mounts to be sure, but maybe that are prothane mounts and you will def feel more vibration with them. Could have the BSE done on it too.
Check the harmonic balancer for wear by trying to force the outer ring away from the center part that is bolted to the crank. If it is worn it will start to separate in the middle and leave signs like tearing into your bottom timing gear cover.

As for the pulsing while driving, I would also check the carrier bearings. Thump Fix Carrier Bearing
Drive Shaft Rebuild It does sound more like the viscous coupling is bad, but check the drive shaft for play first.

The pulley could just be loose on the water pump. Use loctite on the bolts when you reinstall it. There is a weep hole that should be leaking if the bearing is shot.