Rattle in driveshaft update

[jhstatts]

I had a post earlier this week (or last) regarding a rattle in my driveshaft. I am fairly certain that it is one (or more) of my U-joints. I was instructed to hit the joints with some grease to see if that clears up the rattle.

I was going to order a set of replacement U-joints just in case, but I'd like to hold off if the grease fixes the issue.

My real question is this:

What kind of vibration would be felt if the driveshaft(s) were going south? Out on the highway I did feel a bit of a vibration, but I am not sure if it was the new tires or a problem. It had a rhythm to it, but it was very slight.

 

[dogboy2]

What kind of vibration would be felt if the driveshaft(s) were going south?

you will feel a vibration coming up through the floorboards into the passenger compartment. depending on how bad the joints/shaft is, it will either be slight to something your better half will really enjoy

you may also hear a "drumming" sound, not too disimilar to big lugged tires moving down the highway at speed. in addition, you may also experience some vibration in your gear shift lever. front driveshaft noise is easier to pinpoint due to proximity to your driving position and rear seat passengers should be able to help diagnose the rear.

some of the vibration may also be caused by a loose pinion nut at your differential which is easy to check once you drop the rear shaft. make sure it is torqued to spec and staked properly as per the Toyota repair manual. also, be sure to rule out bad bearings in your tranny, t-case, and differentials.

lastly, have the driveshafts balanced by a reputable driveshaft repair facility after the new ujoints are installed, especially the rear. and speaking of ujoints: OEM, OEM, OEM !!!! the aftermarket parts are crap as verified by the shop who is (as we speak) doing the rear shaft of our truck -- they won't even install aftermarket!

cut your teeth on the front driveline ujoints if you feel like it, (you can still drive the truck if you, uh, screw it up) but know that most repair shops send theirs out to driveline shops. having gone done this road the past two days, I can personally attest that while not mechanically difficult, this job is a major PITA and very time consuming without specialized tools & jigs, which is why my rear shaft is currently being done by a driveline shop

rule out your tires by having them rebalanced -- even if new or newer, they can be off after putting some miles on them. a loose wheel bearing can create vibration too, but this will primarily be felt through the steering wheel and not as much through the floorboards.

HTH,
-dogboy- '87 FJ60

 

[jhstatts]

dogboy... thanks for the lengthy reply. I appreciate it. I don't think I have a driveshaft problem going by your description. The vibration I felt came more from the steering than anything (and it was very slight). I may have bad bearings in my tranny or t-case though. The rattle dies down (gets slower and stops) as the wagon is coming to a stop (and depressing the clutch and/or taking it out of gear has no effect on the rattle). Does this mean anything?

Thanks again.

 

[84Bruiser]

Ever had the front end aligned? Are the tires new? balanced?

 

[jhstatts]

Tires are new and balanced. I have not had the front end aligned since I bought it (back in May), but plan to soon. That is most likely my problem.

 

[84Bruiser]

just a thought.

good luck.

 

[dogboy2]

The vibration I felt came more from the steering than anything (and it was very slight).....The rattle dies down (gets slower and stops) as the wagon is coming to a stop (and depressing the clutch and/or taking it out of gear has no effect on the rattle)

Given your above description I would suspect steering components, steering knuckles, or wheel bearings. If the rattle is speed related and the volume of noise directly proportional to the speed at which you are traveling, then it could be your wheel bearings or knuckles. If the rattle is more noticeable and pronounced when traveling over bumps, I would lean towards worn steering components. Keep in mind, you may have more than one issue contributing to the source sound.

Here's an easy way to check for excessive play in your wheel bearings or knuckles: with the truck parked, grab the top portion of the front tire with both hands and push it in and then pull it back towards you several times. If anything is loose, you will feel play where there should be none. While not scientific, it is a quick cheap trick to tell you if you need to break out the tools and get the truck up on jack stands for a closer, more thorough inspection.

You can rule out (or in) noises in your drivetrain by getting under the truck and turning the driveshafts by hand. If any bearings are going south, you should be able to feel as well as hear it. Try the test I mentioned the other day regarding excess play in the u-joints and slip joint and while you are down there, push/pull the drivelines up and down at the differentials to check for play at those bearings.

Stick with it, you'll find it yet

-dogboy- '87 FJ60

 

[jhstatts]

Thanks, dogboy. Will do all the tests tomorrow morning.

 

[gulp3000]

Jason: Just a quick thought. I had a vibration that really showed up around 50mph+. It just started one day out of the blue. After balancing the tires and checking the U-joints didn't help any, I was getting ready to take a serious look at the front-end and the pinion nut when I noticed the hubs were locked! That was the "problem". My Cruiser sits out on the street and I'm guessing some kids in the neighborhood locked them (no possible way I could have left them locked ;^) ).

Probably not your situation, but good to know.

 

[jhstatts]

gulp... thanks for the tidbit. Mine aren't locked, but that is good to know. Damn kids.

 

[billybob_98]

Jason you should feel blessed. my tranny, t/c, front and rear axles, knuckles, driveshafts, and suspension are all about to get a wake up call. everyday they get worse and worse. talk about vibration and rattle, they'll make your hair fall out. overlooking and not consistantly maintain/ checking, since purchase, has made my future month a pain the the ass. so anyhoo, just thought that would make you feel better about your situation. also anyone have any advise with all these fixes i have to do. i know there are instructions and posts on it, but someone may have something to add from their personal knowledge.

 

[Sloan]

Check the the bolts on the drive shaft, mine would back themselves off every 6 months or so causing a weird vibration on deceleration. New nuts, locktite, problem solved.