Severe engine vibration. Please help.

[KZOO3800]

97 SE 3800 Series 2
180K miles

For a month or so my engine vibrates noticeably at idle. I can feel it inside the car and even almost hear a 'wobble' with the engine bay open. I can feel the engine shake if I touch anything attached to it.

This didn't get bad until today on the way home from work. Pulled up to a light and I could hear the trim rattling inside the car.

What comes to mind at worst is the balance shaft may be going out. I've never changed the torque strut bushings so it could be something as simple as that. The rubber looks a bit squishy but the bolts are cranked on there real good I made sure of that. Could bad torque strut bushings really cause this kind of vibration? I replaced the front engine mount myself a year ago and the trans mount was fine at that time. Until I have time to go re-check all of that...

If it's the balance shaft this car is going to be toast soon. Can anyone suggest a good replacement for the torque strut bushings (the round ones and the square ones).

Thanks

 

[brandonl2000]

Check your lower mounts?? You have an engine and a trans mount. Not sure if you were referring to the correct mounts or not.

 

[KZOO3800]

So I rotated the torque strut bushings 90 degrees toward the engine as is reccomended by many. Vibration is much less noticeable.

They arent dry rotted but theyre pretty damn squishy.

 

[brandonl2000]

Honestly, I wouldn't be concerned with the top two mounts (torque strut) as flipped or not, they don't really cause a noticeable vibration. If they do, it's at idle ONLY.

Again, lower mounts, check em! If you need help, ask.