Bent drive shaft?

RANDY R

MEMBER
DODGE RAM

2001 Dodge Ram

My Dodge Ram starts shaking badly at about 40 miles an hour. I thought it was the track bar, but my mechanic says it's a bent drive shaft.

I can understand why a bent drive shaft would be a problem. However, it seems like it would get worse the faster you go.

So can you explain in simple terms why the shaking caused by a bent drive shaft would stop at faster speeds or, more specifically, when the engine RMP's get up to 2000. Sometimes I've driven in 2nd gear just to stop the shaking, and it runs smooth that way at 40 miles an hour.

Feels like I'm driving a bumpy road, with a bump every two feet.

1 Reply

RANDY R

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Well, I feared that the drive shaft would be replaced and the shaking would continue. The mechanic also replaced ball joints and an A Frame, whatever that is.

Unfortunately, my fears were fully realized. If we had a bent drive shaft and worn-out ball joints it was good that they were replaced, but the shaking continues.

After examining the truck again, the mechanic says the shaking is caused by bad fuel injectors. So I guess I'll get those fixed after I can regenerate some cash. Hope that stops the shaking.