vibration at 70 mph

[CapeCodRovers]

I have a bad vibration at 70 mph. I'm doing the front driveshaft this weekend to replace the u joints. Is there a way I can figure out if that is def. the problem I have? I know I need to overhaul the driveshaft anyways, just wanted to make sure that is the problem

 

[Mike_Rupp]

Do you have a lift?

Do you have a rotoflex?

When I had a bad vibe at 70mph it was the rotoflex that wore out very quickly after putting my lift on.

 

[nosivad_bor]

Tire balance?

 

[AMCM Disco]

Usual response is to remove front drive shaft, lock TC and see if vibe is there.

With the rebuild of the U joints, check that rotoflex for wear, but if it's not been replaced already -pending mileage (but your's is an 02 I'm guessing) you'd probably want to swap that out too if not done yet.

Good link for step by step "how to" I found for mine. (thanks Kevin)
http://www.box.net/shared/jbgsi67tnx

Good Luck! atriot:

 

[lowwill]

All the above^. Quick question. What truck are you talking about? Got 3 listed above. Mileage? Start with the balance. Simple and cheap.

 

[LSUDenver]

02 SE7 no CDL

 

[NVRover]

Can be anything (some previously mentioned)

Bad tire(s) - if so, why? see below
Tire balance
Alignment
Steering damper
Bad shocks
Bushings
Rotoflex
Driveshafts

This may sound goofy, but where do you feel the vibration, in the seat, in the steering wheel, where?

 

[CapeCodRovers]

Thanks for the help everyone. It is the 02' SE7 so no locking differential, no lift, 84000 miles. Got the wheels alligned and it didn't make a difference. Haven't touched the rotoflex yet, never have done one before. Is it an easy/costly repair? Is there a way to find out if its def. the front driveshaft with out a locking differential?

 

[CapeCodRovers]

Can be anything (some previously mentioned)

Bad tire(s) - if so, why? see below
Tire balance
Alignment
Steering damper
Bad shocks
Bushings
Rotoflex
Driveshafts

This may sound goofy, but where do you feel the vibration, in the seat, in the steering wheel, where?

everywhere, especially steering wheel

 

[AMCM Disco]

If you've never touched in the life of the truck the U-joints or Rotoflex then with 84K it's good timing.

Since your doing the U's anyway, then you're set there, but inspect the Rotoflex for cracks/wear, and it's not as hard as a U joint for replacement (simple bolt assembly - just note which way the bolts come out so they can go back in the same - there are plenty of directions out there for this, too)

Since this is your weekend plan - go for it, and check over the list of other stuff for piece of mind prior to the test drive. Hopefully it's simple and this will cure the vibes.

 

[NVRover]

If you are feeling it in the steering wheel I am betting money that it is related to steering, front suspension or tires (alignment/balancing). Take it to your mechanic or a reputable front end (tires and alignments) shop.

 

[nosivad_bor]

alignment doesn't mean the tires were balanced.

make sure they are balanced. you are feeling in steering wheel im thinking the tires.

 

[CapeCodRovers]

what does a tire balance job entail? stupid question i'm sure.

 

[Darren M.]

Check tire balancing. You mechanic will be able to tell you at that point if the tires are out of round. I had the same problem last year, and 3 of 4 new snows were out of round. Replaced tires (under warranty) and problem disappeared.

 

[Darren M.]

alignment doesn't mean the tires were balanced.

make sure they are balanced. you are feeling in steering wheel im thinking the tires.

X 2 on the tires....

 

[msggunny]

This may sound goofy, but where do you feel the vibration, in the seat, in the steering wheel, where?

What about if you feel it in the seat. Mine gave me a nice back massage when i drove it home.

 

[NVRover]

What about if you feel it in the seat. Mine gave me a nice back massage when i drove it home.

When I felt it in the seat it was due to the rotoflex being cracked.

 

[Madic]

I would agree with the tires. You can also try moving them around on the car. Swap front to back, drive see if you notice any difference in the wheel. Sometimes its all your tires, sometimes its just one. Shift them around and see if you can find anything out. Remember to mark what went where for proper rotation later.

 

[CapeCodRovers]

well if this ujoint fix doesn't solve the problem I will bring it in to get the tires balanced. I plan on doing the fix tomorrow but I don't have the rotoflex so I'm not going to be able to do that. Anyone have any instructions for swapping that out? Is it still necessary to do this if i don't have a lift?