Vibration at 30-40 mph, changed center bearing - Dodge Diesel

kiro · 01-05-2010, 07:49 PM

Hello, just got this truck running and had been sitting over a year. It's a 2002 dually single cab, flatbed, 5 sp. I'm getting a vibration at about 30-40 mph after I shift to 3rd and 4th. After I get into 5th and get up to 60 mph plus, it gets better. My dash is almost gone--broke--and with this vibration, dash feels and looks like it's going to come completely apart.

Checked my center bearing and it was bad. Replaced it with a dealer item($134.) Also replaced the rear u-joint that showed to be bad. Others felt tight. Any ideas on what to check next?

Another thing, The u-joint seems to fit loose between the small keeper ears on the yoke. When I put the new one on, I noticed this so I tried the one that was on it originally and it fit the same (same width). I spilt the difference and tighten up the U-joint. Is this the way it's supposed to fit??? Thanks, Joe.

pind · 01-05-2010, 09:00 PM

Joe,

It could be the u-joint right behind the steady bearing. I have seen these seize on one trunion only, and cause all worlds of havoc.

Also, if it is a 4x4, check the CV joint on the front shaft. The 2002 didn't have the axle disconnect on the front, so the forward shaft turns all the time, and wears out prematurely.

kiro · 01-05-2010, 09:19 PM

Sorry I did't mention, but it is a 2 wheel drive. Also, the U-joints felt good except for the rear one that I changed out. Thanks, Joe.

pind · 01-05-2010, 10:10 PM

That is exactly what I meant. they feel just fine, but the one behind the steady bearing is busy becoming one as such.

kiro · 01-05-2010, 10:16 PM

Thanks, will look into it. Joe.

torquefan · 01-05-2010, 10:21 PM

If the u-joint has play between the ears of the pinion yoke, the yoke has wear and should be replaced. I would replace the straps at the same time so everything fits snugly and won't move around once it is tightened down.

DIESELWRKS · 01-06-2010, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kiro

Hello, just got this truck running and had been sitting over a year. It's a 2002 dually single cab, flatbed, 5 sp. I'm getting a vibration at about 30-40 mph after I shift to 3rd and 4th. After I get into 5th and get up to 60 mph plus, it gets better. My dash is almost gone--broke--and with this vibration, dash feels and looks like it's going to come completely apart.

Checked my center bearing and it was bad. Replaced it with a dealer item($134.) Also replaced the rear u-joint that showed to be bad. Others felt tight. Any ideas on what to check next?

Another thing, The u-joint seems to fit loose between the small keeper ears on the yoke. When I put the new one on, I noticed this so I tried the one that was on it originally and it fit the same (same width). I spilt the difference and tighten up the U-joint. Is this the way it's supposed to fit??? Thanks, Joe.

the end caps should be seated against the tab/ears on the yokes.

Harbor Diesel · 01-07-2010, 01:49 PM

Any chance your tires might be flat spotted due to sitting for a year? Just a thought.

kiro · 01-07-2010, 04:42 PM

6 brand new tires, balanced, and wheels checked for out of round before mounting and balancing.

Put it on a lift and got it up to 35 mph and the drive shaft close to rearend started vibrating. Pulled it and we decided that the yoke is bad. Also have a little movement on where the rear part of drive shaft goes into the front tube at the center bearing. Will probably have to replace drive shaft and yoke.

Anyone have a yoke I can use???? Thanks, Joe.

dozer12216 · 01-07-2010, 07:15 PM

The u-joint not fitting the yoke is definitelly wrong. It is possible the wrong u-joint was installed two times. Not likely the yoke is causing looseness.

kiro · 01-07-2010, 09:17 PM

The U-Joint is correct, but worn at the tabs. What may be causing the vibration could be the driveshaft. It was hard to seperate at the center bearing. Had to beat it out. The blue plastic coating on the spline was there, but some was torn. Put grease on it and reinstalled it. If I get looseness at the splines, do you think this could be cause of the vibration?? May need a driveshaft. Yoke will have to be replaced, I think, because of the tabs being worn. Suggestions??? Thanks, Joe.

01-05-2010, 09:00 PM	#2
pind Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Whitehorse, cultural hub of the universe.. Posts: 1,008 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	Joe, It could be the u-joint right behind the steady bearing. I have seen these seize on one trunion only, and cause all worlds of havoc. Also, if it is a 4x4, check the CV joint on the front shaft. The 2002 didn't have the axle disconnect on the front, so the forward shaft turns all the time, and wears out prematurely. __________________ 01 2500 Q/C 4x4, factory order HO w/5spd, 4 wheel discs, Pacbrake, 285 nitto HD grapplers on 17" eagle 186. Ultra 5th wheel hitch. Glacier Diesel GFS-392 LP 01 F550 XLT 4x4, replaced by a fleet of reliable mid 90's gmc trucks, with 6.5 diesels and 5 speeds. Old, slow and in denial, just like me...

01-05-2010, 10:21 PM	#6
torquefan Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 3,837 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	If the u-joint has play between the ears of the pinion yoke, the yoke has wear and should be replaced. I would replace the straps at the same time so everything fits snugly and won't move around once it is tightened down. __________________ 1996 Ram 2500 Club Cab, 4x4, 5 speed, KDP tabbed, Prodigy, Silverstars with relay kit, BD 4" cat back, Autometer gauges.

01-07-2010, 01:49 PM	#8
Harbor Diesel Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania Posts: 53 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	Any chance your tires might be flat spotted due to sitting for a year? Just a thought. __________________ 2001 2500HD 4X4 QC SHORT BOX, C.T.D, STOCK, NITTO TERRA GRAPPLERS 305/70R16E

01-07-2010, 07:15 PM	#10
dozer12216 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: North Carolina or Kentucky. Take your pick Posts: 2,716 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	The u-joint not fitting the yoke is definitelly wrong. It is possible the wrong u-joint was installed two times. Not likely the yoke is causing looseness. __________________ 2008 1/2 3500 dually that is stock except for 2 micro inline filter for fuel. Infero red extended cab, long box made for highway towing.

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01-05-2010, 09:19 PM	#3
kiro Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 21 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	Sorry I did't mention, but it is a 2 wheel drive. Also, the U-joints felt good except for the rear one that I changed out. Thanks, Joe.

01-05-2010, 10:10 PM	#4
pind Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Whitehorse, cultural hub of the universe.. Posts: 1,008 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	That is exactly what I meant. they feel just fine, but the one behind the steady bearing is busy becoming one as such.

01-05-2010, 10:16 PM	#5
kiro Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 21 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	Thanks, will look into it. Joe.

01-07-2010, 04:42 PM	#9
kiro Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 21 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	6 brand new tires, balanced, and wheels checked for out of round before mounting and balancing. Put it on a lift and got it up to 35 mph and the drive shaft close to rearend started vibrating. Pulled it and we decided that the yoke is bad. Also have a little movement on where the rear part of drive shaft goes into the front tube at the center bearing. Will probably have to replace drive shaft and yoke. Anyone have a yoke I can use???? Thanks, Joe.

01-07-2010, 09:17 PM	#11
kiro Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 21 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	The U-Joint is correct, but worn at the tabs. What may be causing the vibration could be the driveshaft. It was hard to seperate at the center bearing. Had to beat it out. The blue plastic coating on the spline was there, but some was torn. Put grease on it and reinstalled it. If I get looseness at the splines, do you think this could be cause of the vibration?? May need a driveshaft. Yoke will have to be replaced, I think, because of the tabs being worn. Suggestions??? Thanks, Joe.