Symptoms of Bad U-joints?
#1
Symptoms of Bad U-joints?
Hi Folks,
I'm sure this has been covered many times, but my searches for (+u-joints +replacing) gives me hundreds of unrelated threads. Hmm...
Anyway, I recently lifted my 2002 F250 PS with a 3.5" spring-hanger kit, and now I'm starting to regret the decision. I love the look of the 315 R/75 tires, and the stiffer ride of the dual Bilsteins in front, but nagging ride issues persist.
After solving my "drive-away shudder" problem by shimming the carrier bearing, the truck was smooth at all speeds, but only for a short time. Then, I began noticing vibrations at speeds above 45 mph. I suspect it's drive-line related because it only happens under power, it still coasts smoothly. I had the tires rebalanced, anyway, just to rule out the easy fix.
Now, I'm thinking u-joints, but before I jack the truck up and start shaking parts, I wanted to see if you guys felt I'm on the right track. I'm a "shade-tree mechanic" at best, but I figure I can handle u-joints.
Any tips, or alternative ideas will be most appreciated.
Matt
I'm sure this has been covered many times, but my searches for (+u-joints +replacing) gives me hundreds of unrelated threads. Hmm...
Anyway, I recently lifted my 2002 F250 PS with a 3.5" spring-hanger kit, and now I'm starting to regret the decision. I love the look of the 315 R/75 tires, and the stiffer ride of the dual Bilsteins in front, but nagging ride issues persist.
After solving my "drive-away shudder" problem by shimming the carrier bearing, the truck was smooth at all speeds, but only for a short time. Then, I began noticing vibrations at speeds above 45 mph. I suspect it's drive-line related because it only happens under power, it still coasts smoothly. I had the tires rebalanced, anyway, just to rule out the easy fix.
Now, I'm thinking u-joints, but before I jack the truck up and start shaking parts, I wanted to see if you guys felt I'm on the right track. I'm a "shade-tree mechanic" at best, but I figure I can handle u-joints.
Any tips, or alternative ideas will be most appreciated.
Matt
#2
My thoughts and a question
As for the U-joints, the best way is to get under your truck and wiggle each d-shaft at the joints and check for any movement at all, if they look like they are moving at all when you wiggle, then you have some U-joint wear as there shouldn't be any play.
As for the 'drive-awa shudder', you got my attention. When I pull away at a moderate pace, I don't get the sgudder, BUT, when I HONK on it, I get a shudder for about 2 seconds, I never thought to check the carrier bearing. This leads to my question, do you have a lift kit? I have an 8" lift with the drive-line geometry in good line, my next question, does the 'rubber' lining of the carrier bearing housing wear and create too much play???
Cheers!
As for the 'drive-awa shudder', you got my attention. When I pull away at a moderate pace, I don't get the sgudder, BUT, when I HONK on it, I get a shudder for about 2 seconds, I never thought to check the carrier bearing. This leads to my question, do you have a lift kit? I have an 8" lift with the drive-line geometry in good line, my next question, does the 'rubber' lining of the carrier bearing housing wear and create too much play???
Cheers!
#3
Thanks for the quick reply Kalsc,
I just crawled out from under the truck. There's definitely play in the rear joint. Front and middle are tight. Looks like I have an afternoon project. ;-)
Yes, I have 3.5" Fabtech spring-hanger lift on the front, 4" blocks in back. I noticed the drive-away shudder the moment it was installed. Same as you described...only noticeable under heavy acceleration. (3) 1/4" flat steel shims eliminated the problem on my truck, but the amount of shimming varies depending on lift height and axle-to-axle length.
Matt
I just crawled out from under the truck. There's definitely play in the rear joint. Front and middle are tight. Looks like I have an afternoon project. ;-)
Yes, I have 3.5" Fabtech spring-hanger lift on the front, 4" blocks in back. I noticed the drive-away shudder the moment it was installed. Same as you described...only noticeable under heavy acceleration. (3) 1/4" flat steel shims eliminated the problem on my truck, but the amount of shimming varies depending on lift height and axle-to-axle length.
Matt
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