Drivetrain Rumble

[mrnj]

All - Looking for a few suggestions. I've got an 2004. 5 2500 Quad Cab, 4wd, 6-speed, all stock with 57k easy miles (no towing).



A few weeks ago, I heard what sounded like a chirping/squeaking coming from the rear as I was letting off the clutch. Sounded like a driveshaft-related noise because it chirped a lot faster than the wheels were moving when I just started to move.



Anyway, that stopped, but, then I heard a rumble. This other noise occurs if I'm moving, accelerating, and then and let off the accelerator. I guess the way to describe it is it sounds like I have an exhaust brake - but I don't. The truck shutters a bit, I can feel the vibration in the clutch pedal. Pushing in the clutch, I can feel something out of balance, and, then it begins to slow down (as I slow down).



Any suggestions? Does this sound like a u-joint?



Thanks for the help,

Mark

 

[MChildress]

I would start by checking the u-joints and if you have a two piece drive shaft the carrier bearing.

 

[rscurtis]

Better do it fast. If it's gone from a squeak to a rumble, you're about to lose a driveshaft.

 

[Grizzly]

It does sound like U joints or carrier bearing to me also. Do you have over size tires by any chance?

 

[tkerrigan]

I have a complete drive line assembly with 30,000 miles on it you can have for hauling it away if you want. You don't have your location posted.

 

[mrnj]

Truck is stock, running stock tires and rims. I've got an appointment scheduled with the dealer tomorrow, this is probably a little bigger job than I can handle myself.



I appreciate all of the feedback.



Thanks,

Mark

 

[mrnj]

All - Still trying to get this resolved.



Symptom is a vibration/rumble letting off the accelerator at ~60-65 mph. If I hear the rumble and push in the clutch, I still hear the noise.



I've had the service managers from two different Dodge dealers in the truck - both heard the noise and said "exhaust drone".



The dealers claim that the u-joint and driveshaft is ok.



I've driven this truck nearly every day for 5 years and know all of the noises it makes.



Any other suggestions? I'm so frustrated with this whole thing.



Thanks,

Mark

 

[MChildress]

Never heard a chirp,squeak or vibration come from an exhaust drone. The vibration changing with speed could be a tire out of balance but the chirp and squeak you mentioned earlier would lead me to believe metal to metal contact like in a u-joint or carrier bearing going south. Might have a drive shaft shop check it out.

 

[cerberusiam]

Two different shops swore nothing wrong with drive line and u-joints, been there done that.



Told shop to change u-joint and problem went away.





It is tought to tell a dry cup until you pull it apart. You CANNOT tell a bad ujoint wihtout disassembly. What I have found on 2 occasions is dry bearings with the ujoint tight and not binding. Swapped that joint out and problem solved.



Just replace all 3 with greasables and be done with it.

 

[steved]

All - Still trying to get this resolved.



Symptom is a vibration/rumble letting off the accelerator at ~60-65 mph. If I hear the rumble and push in the clutch, I still hear the noise.



I've had the service managers from two different Dodge dealers in the truck - both heard the noise and said "exhaust drone".



The dealers claim that the u-joint and driveshaft is ok.



I've driven this truck nearly every day for 5 years and know all of the noises it makes.



Any other suggestions? I'm so frustrated with this whole thing.



Thanks,

Mark

Tell the dealer to PULL the driveshaft... they will find one of the ujoints is either seized or close to being seized. It is a seizing ujoint, mine did the same thing you describe at 70k... the joint at the differential was so tight I could not flex it by hand.



Find another dealer or local driveshaft shop if they don't pull the shaft.

 

[notron46]

Drive line vibration

I had the same vibration twice on my 05, at 66k and again last week at 112k. When I would accelerate through 2nd and 3rd I would get it and again when i was decelerating, with foot on the brake or not. Both times is was the rear u-joint. Get it fixed soon. I think the dealer would want to fix it as the repair would be inder warrantee. Good luck.