This is a weird little quirk to my car, but I have noticed it getting worse and worse over the years. Under normal acceleration when there is a heavy load in the car (ie 4 people or more) the car seems to shudder a bit through first gear. (4 speed auto) It only happens for a few seconds usually around 5-15mph. I can't tell exactly where the shudder/rumble is coming from but I sure hope it isn't the transmission starting to fail. When I accelerate harder, the shudder gets worse, but only lasts a second or two. This only happens when there is a heavy load in the car. When it is just me driving around, it never seems to happen. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks

 

check the drive shaft, in particular the center bearing and its rubber bushing-things, and the U joints.

 

^^^This. You describe an issue that is load depndant. As weight is increased the driveline angle is changed; a bad drive shaft bearing support can create the issue you describe. Also check transmission mount. An excellent time to get the engine mounts and suspension bushings examined as well.

 

Very good points. I will check these out as soon as I can. One last question...Could one of these parts completely fail and cause the driveline to fail completely? I am down in college in New Mexico and have a 1,600 mile journey back home in a little over a month. Are these issues serious, or can I wait to get back home before they are corrected?

 

depends on how bad your shutter is. Take it to a garage and get a $45 inspection and have them physically show u the issues to avoid getting ripped off and report back. Ur safety is worth $45

 

yeah, really depends on the cause. if its the center bearing rubber carriers, our 240 did that for years before we fixed it. ditto badly worn suspension bushings can cause klunks and shudders and such without materially impacting anything other than noise and comfort. but a U joint thats about to fail, well, that could leave you stranded and/or cost more to fix if you put it off too long.

 

My car does the exact same thing. Only when heavily loaded at low speed and descent throttle. It's done it for at least 6 years. I've heard it might be those bearings. Maybe I should change them out.