Driveline vibration

CHARLIE MERZ

MEMBER
1994 DODGE VAN
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
43,000 MILES

My 1994 350 Dodge Van has a driveline vibration that starts at 30 mph and fades out at approx 40 mph. With the van running 50-60 mph, the only time I get the vibration is going up a grade and the drive train is under a load. The vibration started after the drive shaft was removed for towing to the shop for another problem. When the drive shaft was re-installed and if the U joint was installed 180 degrees off, would this cause the vibration problem?

2 Replies

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,871 POSTS

It's customary to mark the u-joint so the drive shaft can be installed the same way, but that shouldn't cause a problem if it isn't. The drive shaft is balanced by itself, not with the rear yoke. It would be more likely one of the cups isn't fully seated. There are two small tabs on the yoke that keep the bearing cups from spitting out the side. Check that one of the cups isn't sitting on the tab rather than behind it.

It is also possible the u-joint is bad. There can be broken roller bearings that are binding and there can be a worn spot in the cup that is turned to a different orientation than before putting the worn spot where it can allow the needle bearing to **** a little and bind.

Caradiodoc