High speed vibration
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Augusta, GA
High speed vibration
Looking for ideas as to what would cause vibration at high speed (65-70 MPH). The vibration seems to be coming from the drivetrain and not suspension. I'm thinking unbalanced drive shaft maybe?
I notice no vibration at all at speeds up to about 60 or so, but on the overtake, they start up and are quite nasty.
I notice no vibration at all at speeds up to about 60 or so, but on the overtake, they start up and are quite nasty.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Axtell, TX
As montana said an out of balance tire often won't show itself until you get up to speed. I had this problem a while back. It was fine until I got up to about 50mph, then start the paint shaker. Also check that the d-shaft is in phase.
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Yes on all the above possible tire issues, ck the d/s u joint condition and put a level on it to ck straightness (a metal level like you use in construction work).
Also look for a spot where a d/s balance weight might have came off. They are tack welded on there so look for a spot like that?
Have you removed the d/s lately and got it outta phase when reinstalled? Also after you ck the tires for broke belts/bulges, rotate their position front to rear, and see if its still there.
If its a 4x4 remove the rear d/s all together (top slip yoke included) and lock in the hubs and give it a test drive. Ck you rear end fluid level.....
All I know in 30 seconds.
Also look for a spot where a d/s balance weight might have came off. They are tack welded on there so look for a spot like that?
Have you removed the d/s lately and got it outta phase when reinstalled? Also after you ck the tires for broke belts/bulges, rotate their position front to rear, and see if its still there.
If its a 4x4 remove the rear d/s all together (top slip yoke included) and lock in the hubs and give it a test drive. Ck you rear end fluid level.....
All I know in 30 seconds.
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Senior User
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From: Augusta, GA
Thanks guys. The rear shaft came off violently one day when a U joint grenaded on me one day. had to cross 3 lanes of traffic to retrieve it 
That's why I thought an out of phase shaft might be the issue. I'll check the tires though and see. Guy wants 80 bucks to check the balance.
That's why I thought an out of phase shaft might be the issue. I'll check the tires though and see. Guy wants 80 bucks to check the balance.
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
phase ck
I think after that thing came out from under the truck and skidded across 3 lanes of traffic ( I remember your story) I would of went and got a JY replacement.
Out of phase is a easy ck, are the ears (part where the u joint cap goes) on each part of the d/s in line with each other? If not so just slide apart and slide back together after skipping a few splines.
Use a long metal level to ck it then, from end cap to end cap of u-joint. $80 bucks, damn that hurt.
Out of phase is a easy ck, are the ears (part where the u joint cap goes) on each part of the d/s in line with each other? If not so just slide apart and slide back together after skipping a few splines.
Use a long metal level to ck it then, from end cap to end cap of u-joint. $80 bucks, damn that hurt.
Last edited by 77&79F250; May 23, 2011 at 04:47 PM. Reason: sp
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Lynchburg, VA
Thanks guys. The rear shaft came off violently one day when a U joint grenaded on me one day. had to cross 3 lanes of traffic to retrieve it
That's why I thought an out of phase shaft might be the issue. I'll check the tires though and see. Guy wants 80 bucks to check the balance.
That's why I thought an out of phase shaft might be the issue. I'll check the tires though and see. Guy wants 80 bucks to check the balance.
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From: Augusta, GA
To clarify, I meant 80 bucks to check the balance on the shaft.
Tire balance is covered by the tire seller. I don't really think its a tire issue though. The vibes really seem to be coming from the engine/transmission or shafts and gears.
Gonna take some of the suggestions and check the straightness on the shaft.
Tire balance is covered by the tire seller. I don't really think its a tire issue though. The vibes really seem to be coming from the engine/transmission or shafts and gears.
Gonna take some of the suggestions and check the straightness on the shaft.
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2007
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Same thing happens to mine but...
I have been afraid to ask anyone because the smarta** in me can hear some of the replies (quit driving it that fast and it won't vibrate) I also get a screeching noise (not metal on metal grinding but like a wire laying across the d/s scraping) that comes and goes from the drive train area when I accelerate. I jacked it up and spun the back tires but could not duplicate the noise. The funny thing is sometimes the noise is extremely loud and other times I have to strain to hear it! Also is there a standard location for the d/s weight?
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
V.... I would ck your rear brake drums setup for a broken e brake cable or other internal issue? If its a chatter its a dry u-joint, no clue on the screech except a slipping alt/fan belt?
Or maybe a rear end pinion bearing? Or rear wheel bearing? Yea NOT what you wanted to hear as a suggestion, sorry.
Or maybe a rear end pinion bearing? Or rear wheel bearing? Yea NOT what you wanted to hear as a suggestion, sorry.
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Joined: Nov 2007
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Noise
I thought it might be a cable also but I could not duplicate the noise when I had it jacked up and spun the rear wheels by hand. Unfortunately I now have a vibration at low speed that makes me think my u-joints are going out.
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