My new to me 2010 has an odd shuddering, at least that's how I would describe it, that isn't directly tied to throttle input, so I'm assuming its not the trans or tc, but after taking a look at the driveshafts, I'm thinking maybe its just binding during normal suspension travel? I've never seen what the dimensions are on these splined shafts, so I can't tell where this is sitting, fully extended, compressed or somewhere in the middle
Shuddering
- Thread starter onelittlestar
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Looks like your entire driveline could used a good greasing.
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- #3
Yes, of course.
So, does it look like the front shaft is completely compressed? I agree there isn't much, or any, grease slung around the joints, I have not done any maintenance on it yet, am slowly accumulating all the parts to do a committed overhaul.
That is not completely compressed. It is just rusted further up the smooth area because it never cycles that far.. the only movement is the transmission/transfer/front diff in their rubber mounts. Totally different than the rear that needs to change length with the rear axle cycling up and down. Given that there is very little chance the joint is over or under extended, unless it isn’t the correct shaft or some kind of weirdness is going on with an output flange spacer or transmission/diff not where they are supposed to be.
If the shudder is driveline, it is more likely a failed joint, in which case you’d probably see orange dust coming from one or more of the u-joint cap seals, or possibly a failed slip joint. Usually I’d include over-filled slip joint but with nothing slung around that isn’t likely.
If the shudder is driveline, it is more likely a failed joint, in which case you’d probably see orange dust coming from one or more of the u-joint cap seals, or possibly a failed slip joint. Usually I’d include over-filled slip joint but with nothing slung around that isn’t likely.
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- #5
Appreciate the detailed response. I actually misstated that, I was concerned it was overextended, though as you've pointed out, no grease to speak of so highly doubtful.
Yeah, with the engine/trans/transfer and diff in their usual spots I don’t see how it could be. If your concern is that it was somehow overfilled and that extended it, just unscrew that zerk and see if grease comes out.
Under what circumstances does it shudder? What speed, engine load, suspension loading or cycling, etc?
Driveshaft u-joints usually present as a vibration, and often change with speed and letting on and off the gas (loading and unloading the driveshaft)
I have had a shudder/stumble with a bad ignition coil. This wouldn't show in engine RPMs, and didn't immediately throw a code. But it would stumble when you accelerate in 6th gear before the transmission drops down a gear (Say cruising on flat or downhill at 60, then get into the gas, then it stumbles a bit until it drops down a gear and brings up the RPMs) . Eventually it threw a code that indicated which cyl was misfiring.
More details on the conditions you notice the shudder will help with diagnosis.
Driveshaft u-joints usually present as a vibration, and often change with speed and letting on and off the gas (loading and unloading the driveshaft)
I have had a shudder/stumble with a bad ignition coil. This wouldn't show in engine RPMs, and didn't immediately throw a code. But it would stumble when you accelerate in 6th gear before the transmission drops down a gear (Say cruising on flat or downhill at 60, then get into the gas, then it stumbles a bit until it drops down a gear and brings up the RPMs) . Eventually it threw a code that indicated which cyl was misfiring.
More details on the conditions you notice the shudder will help with diagnosis.
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- #9
It is not directly tied to throttle input. "shudder" may not be the correct term, oscillation may be more fitting, however I didn't want to confuse it with something that would immediately direct people to a tire/wheel issue, because it is absolutely not.
Past experience has shown me a bad driveshaft balance would typically create vibration and there is none. The clunk/bump like my FJ presents when the driveshaft hasn't been greased, isn't present either.
You know the sensation of a poorly setup front suspension with too much lift and preload with an IFS, where you're constantly feeling the top out It's almost like that, but very subtle, which is why I was thinking it may have been related to that driveshaft being overextended.
Next bet is shocks having no nitrogen pressure. I'll update
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- #10
I have not. I've never had any issues with my other Toyotas, so what is the go to program?
Techstream is Toyota specific and will tell you the most, but you may get usable information from a generic OBD code reader. I have a Foxwell NT-510 that I leave in the 200 all the time for quick diagnostics.
Driveshaft-generated vibrations are often described as being able to be felt through the bottom of the seat, or even the floorboard of the car.