I have an 04' 5.9 with 34k on the odometer, when I hit 31k I started feeling a harmonic vibration in the steering wheel, it got a bit worse and I could feel it in the seats too, I brought in to the local dealer and they said it was injectors, they suggested injections system cleaning but that didn't make a difference. I brought it back, and they told me that I didn't drive it hard enough, and that I should drive it like I stole it and they didn't want to see it back for another 2000 miles. I recently took it back to a different dealer and they found the lift pump was bad and changed it, but could not find anything causing the vibration problems. Still doing it and seems to be getting worse. Before I go on, no codes are being shown, and the fuel system has been checked out each time. I towed a 32' TT a bit over 8000 lbs all summer with no problems. The vibration gets worse around 1700 rpm, the engine seems to bog down, I feel the truck is down on power too. It seems that the dealers can't trouble shoot without a computer to tell them what is wrong. I think it is mechanical. Anyone have any ideas or have had the same problems? I have a Cummins Service center nearby and was thinking about taking it the truck to them, has anyone had any service done there?

 

I it could be in the front driveline, dose the floor vibrate aswell?
Crawl under your truck and have a look at the front drive shaft and check up by the x-fer case cuz thats where my vibration came from.

Or could be front axle U-joints.

Nick.

 

I thought drive train, but it does it in park and neutral too. I was thinking Fan or one of the accessories, maybe waterpump, alternator or a/c pump. I am thinking about taking the serpentine belt off and see if it still does it.

 

You're gonna have to help us out a bit. Fill in your signature with truck details and where you're from to start. Are you mechanically inclined or planning on using a shop?

I would be looking at the drivetrain first. Being an 04, it may just need some basic maintenance. Check all your u-joints front to back. Block the wheels and put the truck in neutral and move the driveshafts and check for play in the joints. Have you had a wheel alignment and tire balance lately?

Start there and the guys here will guide you along.

Cya

 

No Problem, added info about the truck and I live in the Salt Lake City Utah area. I do have considerable mechanical background, but since I only have 34K on the truck, I was hoping I could get some warranty work done. I don't have much time to work on the truck during the week so weekends are the only time. Forgive me if it takes a bit of time to respond after suggestions. I will try to find some time this week to get underneath and check a few things out. Thanks for your help

 

Are you saying that it was one of the ujoints in the double cardan joint by the transfer case that was causing your vibe. Also what are some signs that an axle joint is going out? I have a weird vibe but it doesn't always do it, more noticeable at low speeds.

 

Does this part of your post mean it did not vibrate when you were towing the TT, or does it mean it did vibrate, but you had plenty of power to tow the TT?

 

I Have To Agree. Lost My U Joint At 48k. Harmonic Vibration.

 

Hey, Check Your Rear Driveshaft. I Had The Same Vibe In My 04. Dealer Replaced Driveshaft Twice And Still Had Vibe. I Took It Off Myself And Had It Balanced And She Is Now 100%. Even The New Shafts Arent Always Balanced. 04 Quad,4x4 Ctd, 90000 Miles

 

Comberboy could be right. The vibration in my 03 that I felt in the steering wheel was caused by the rear driveshaft. I also agree that you have to be very careful on these trucks with even new driveshafts. I have a whole thread on tracking down the vib in my truck. The park neutral theory is a tough one to prove. Yes the truck might vibrate in Park/neutral, but there might be a driveline vib as well. Take the truck out on the road, make it vibrate and then put it in neutral while rolling along, if it still vibrates then you'll know that it is at least partly caused by the driveline. if it does not vib at all then it mght be something to do with the engine / accessories. Once you determine if it is a driveline vib, then we can go from there. You might be getting confused by the 1700 RPM vib in neutral. You must confirm vib free drivetrain / vib free engine first. Vibs can be a real hassle on our trucks, just have to be systematic and logical in tracking it down. Ohyea, good luck with the warranty work

 

Thats an excellent test yaitsfast. I will try that. I get that 'buzz' in the steering wheel, at about 61-62mph and 1750-1800rpm. I think it sounds like almost a overspeed, indicator? Its not a tire out of balance. I think its more speed related, cause if you keep constant speed of 62 on cruise, it is more noticeable when starting up hills, slight grades & level ground. Non exsitent on drift downhill.
I have had 1800, 2000 rpm in lower gears and no buzz in the steering wheel.
We drove the truck to Hickory NC, and back on I-40 and I-77. It was most noticeable when we started, it will make you arm get that 'gone to sleep' numb feeling if you hold the steering wheel too long with one arm. Need to switch a lot, or go faster.
By the time we were halfway home, it was almost non exsistant, sort of like it worked itself out. Its not there at 70.
Maybe its cause it 4.10 geared? 2100 rpm at 65-66 mph, I need bigger tires, stock ones are somewhat small.
Thanks for the idea.