2002 Chevy Suburban Vibration with acceleration

LKINMAN

MEMBER
2002 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

My 2002 Suburban vibrates steadily upon acceleration, but not when coasting. Vibration is noticeable at any speed but only under acceleration. When coasting in neutral, no vibration. When revving engine while in park, no vibration. I'm assuming it could be U-joint(s) or something else involving the trans-to-drive shaft-to-differential parts, but I don't know how to diagnose. Any suggestions would be welcome.

Thanks!

3 Replies

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

A couple symptoms of a bad u-joint is when they go dry the make a squeaking sound that follows the wheel rotations. As the needles bearing pulverize sometime play starts and will throw the balance off. So u-joints are very possible. Hold the shaft in one hand and the yoke with the other. When twisting there should be no movement in the joint.

Another symptom is a clunking when first putting into drive or putting it into an opposite gear.

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Thursday, June 25th, 2009 AT 7:15 PM

LKINMAN

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks for the reply. I will test the joint as you say, but there is currently no squeaking or clunking. No unusual noise of any kind. As I accelerate, I begin to feel the vibration, and it continues through all the gears up to cruising speed. When I let off the accelerator the vibration stops. If I shift into neutral, it stops as well so not a wheel or tire problem. Also, no vibration in the engine through full range of RPMs in Park or Neutral, so not an engine problem. Are there any other things I should be looking for while I'm checking the U-joints or any other possible explanations you can think of (trans, differential, etc.)?

Thanks again.

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Friday, June 26th, 2009 AT 9:23 AM

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

IF the joints are okay, then raise and support the rear end. HAve someone accelerate enough to get the vibration and try to identify the source either visually or with a stethescope.

If you have a 2 piece shaft, look at the carrier bearing. This may be in the axle shaft pinions, differential. But getting a look when it happens may help flush the area out.

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Saturday, June 27th, 2009 AT 5:49 AM