Thining it's a u-joint

[HOBrian]

Truck in sig with 112k. Problem is that I have a bad vibration at anything over 65. (2000 rpm) If I shift late and take the rpm's past 2000 the truck does not vibrate. The truck does not vibrate at any other time except over 65. I'm thinking it's a u-joint but I have never had one fail and have it vibrate in only one spot above 65. Rear driveshaft has one factory joint left and the rear most joint has 60k on it. (dealer replaced) Before I spend a very wet Sat. on this I would like to hear what you guys think...



Thanks

Brian

 

[JApol]

It does sound like you have a bad u-joint. I would suggest doing your u-joints and then finding a drive line shop and have them balance your drive shaft. I had a bad vibe above 65, replaced both u-joints and still had a slight vibe at the same speed. Balanced the shaft and the vibe went away.

 

[rashwor]

I had the vibration you describe on the truck in my sig. Replaced u-joints and the problem has been gone ever since. I think you are on the right track. Good luck.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Theres little doubt that at least one of your joints is bad by that mileage. I would have all three replaced with greaseable parts. If that doesnt fix your problem then have the driveline balanced like JApol said.

 

[HOBrian]

Thanks guys!!! It's funny I just the truck back last Wed. for a front pinion seal and front u-joint and now I have the back(which I will do myself) that are bad. If I didn't know better I would think my mechanic was messing with stuff! lol



I will look to see if there are any weights missing that might be causing the vibration! Thanks for the heads up!!!

 

[UAV]

Pick up a cheapo infrared thermometer with laser pointer then run your truck down the highway for a bit. Pull over and use the thermometer to check the temp on the u-joint trunnion caps, if the joint is bad at least one of the caps will be much higher in temp. Also check for grease spots in the area of the joint as they tend to puke grease out when they go bad.

 

[Scooby]

Great idea UAV. I just happen to have one of those cheap-o thermometers and have almost ran out of things to point it at!

 

[HOBrian]

Pick up a cheapo infrared thermometer with laser pointer then run your truck down the highway for a bit. Pull over and use the thermometer to check the temp on the u-joint trunnion caps, if the joint is bad at least one of the caps will be much higher in temp. Also check for grease spots in the area of the joint as they tend to puke grease out when they go bad.

I went under the truck after comming home from work and yes, I did feel a difference in some of the caps. There was not a major temp difference but some were cool to the touch and some were warm and it was about 45 degrees outside. I also noticed that there was infact greese that seemed to be puked out. Thanks for the post because everything you said I noticed just didn't know how to interpret the info! A big thanks!!!



I took the driveshaft out but am having one heck of a time getting any of the caps to move useing a vice. I'm gonna try again tomorrow#@$%!

 

[MChrist]

Assuming you have the same u-joints as my '06, ( the kind that don't have the clips. . the ones that have that nylon plug. . ) you will have a ***** of a time. I believe you must use the specific u-joints for that driveshaft, NOT the typical 1410 (i believe that was the size my guy tried to install). It looks VERY close, but will not fit!! Has to be the Dodge OE part, I was told. Also, make sure it gets balanced!! I had a heck of a time and had to go to two shops to get mine done correctly. . so be cautious. Good Luck.

 

[HOBrian]

My shaft has the clips. Everything went together well, but because of all the rain and the water in my basement, I have not had the time to drive the truck. #@$%!

 

[COwings]

Check for missing weights, had the same problem. Luckily it was still under warrenty, so what did they do? Rather than take it out, rebalance with new weights , and put back in, they ordered a new driveshaft because their techs couldn't fix mine. And we wonder why the people are going under

 

[HOBrian]

I still have the vibration. #@$%! I will now look at the tires which I guess I should have done first!

 

[RVTRKN]

Check for missing weights, had the same problem. Luckily it was still under warrenty, so what did they do? Rather than take it out, rebalance with new weights , and put back in, they ordered a new driveshaft because their techs couldn't fix mine. And we wonder why the people are going under

My 04. 5 has a drive shaft on order now, for the same reason. It is cheaper in labor, to just replace it, as well as the warranty pays a lot less to the tech. I had a U-joint fail while I was on the road and didn't want to hassel the warranty because of delays so I just paid a drive line shop $185. 00 and 2 hrs later. And now I have harmonic vibration at 75 MPH and have the time to wait, so its a new shaft from Dodge.