Archived AAM Rear Axle Problem

[Udaloy]

Ok, I just drove 170 miles from Columbus Ohio, and couldn't get the last six miles home. I felt a vibration about 20 miles ago, but it went away, and I figured I was just overreacting. When I got off the highway and started going again, it was quite evident something was wrong. I think my axle is toast.



I know there was a post about this, but I cannot find it. I'm sitting in my wifes Jeep waiting for a tow. Chrysler isn't having any luck finding someone who can flat bed my QC long bed for anything but cash ($80 plus $2. 25 a mile!!). Since I have a slow connection, can someone point me to the thread, or offer some advice? Thanks.

 

[DBraunig]

Udaloy,



sounds like the universal joint(s) in the rear shaft are binding. seen that a lot at the shop. some of them dry as a bone inside, like they never greased them at all. you might check them 1st, it is fairly common.



Dave

 

[Slow Six]

Ditto. When the u joints went on mine it happened as I was slowing down for an exit. At first I thought something was going to fall off. The noise and shake started again when I left the stop sign and continued up to about 40 mph. It did this a few times and then I was stopped for a few hours. Since it was after hours I couldn't get any service so I decided to drive home (about a 1 hour trip). Everything was fine and than a couple of days later the shake returned. Since there was still warranty I paid my $100 and the dealer replaced 2 joints with the "no grease" factory joints. I began to suspect these joints last week so I got 3 of the Precision 351's and replaced all three. This is some of the best money I could have spent. No more launch shudder or drive train slack when shifting. If it is u joints I would forget warranty and put in the 351's.

 

[Udaloy]

Hmm. Thanks for the replies. I had a friend bring his trailer, and we took it to the dealer already. I'll call them tomorrow, and have them check the u-joints first. I think the shop is kind enough to put in the 351's if I request it. Thanks again.



Udaloy

 

[Udaloy]

Just for future reference, you were correct on the universal joints being the problem. Of course, they only replaced one, as if the others won't be going out soon. Thanks again.

 

[Elite1]

Ditto. When the u joints went on mine it happened as I was slowing down for an exit. At first I thought something was going to fall off. The noise and shake started again when I left the stop sign and continued up to about 40 mph. It did this a few times and then I was stopped for a few hours. Since it was after hours I couldn't get any service so I decided to drive home (about a 1 hour trip). Everything was fine and than a couple of days later the shake returned. Since there was still warranty I paid my $100 and the dealer replaced 2 joints with the "no grease" factory joints. I began to suspect these joints last week so I got 3 of the Precision 351's and replaced all three. This is some of the best money I could have spent. No more launch shudder or drive train slack when shifting. If it is u joints I would forget warranty and put in the 351's.

Do the 351's have zerk fittings?

 

[guava]

Since its probably wise to just replace them before they go bad, would you mind posting the part number or source... or is Precision 351 all you need to know???

 

[Slow Six]

Yes the 351's have grease fittings. As far as I know Precision 351 is all the info you should need.

 

[Elite1]

Yes the 351's have grease fittings. As far as I know Precision 351 is all the info you should need.

good! call me old fashion, but I don't like these new fangeled parts without grease fittings.

 

[Paychk]

Precision is the brand, a part of the Federal-Mogul after market parts family. You may want to consider the Precision 295 u-joint, it is greasable. The fittings are in the bearing cup, not located in the cross shaft which can weaken them.

 

[jwduke]

Nice looking joint... ..... Have to write that number down for future reference. Who sells these?

 

[Paychk]

www.oreillyauto.com

www.rockauto.com

 

[DJb]

I don't care for the drilled u-joints either or for the drilled bearing cups... . unless you don't do an annual inspection and maintenance program. I like to see what the u-joint bearings look like instead of just shoving in more grease through a zerk every now and then. I like to pull my truck apart every year to check it over and service the trans, wheel bearings, rear end, u-joints etc.