My truck has developed a problem in the last week. It started out only being around at 6-7 mph (indicated) in 1st gear (6sp G56), but as of today it's now around at higher speeds, but I haven't dared go above 40 mph while out trying to figure out the cause.

It's definitely a driveline vibe. Push the clutch in and the problem remains. Tranny in neutral and coasting and problem remains. It gets really bad when slowing through the 6-7 mph range.. as in seismically bad.

I feel it a bit in the steering when turning, but the best way to describe it is as if something below the truck is attempting to shake the truck apart.

My two best guesses are transmission mount and/or the U-joint at the transfer case.

I was under the truck earlier when it was daylight and the trans mount looks okay, but that doesn't really mean anything. I didn't think of the U-joint at that time so I didn't look there. I was just looking for leaks or anything out of place, and all was fine.

What do you think? Also if it IS a U-joint, can somebody recommend an SF Bay Area (south bay preferably) driveline shop to do the job?

Thanks!

Rob

 

it definitely sounds like a ujoint issue... Do not drive it up at highway speeds, excessive vibration/locked up u-joints can tear up the transmission/transfer case.

 

Any noise when stopped? It could also be the flywheel coming apart.

 

Also check the carrier bearing. Had mine go bad. Also replaced ALL the u joints. Can't really see if one is dry and binding inside. What is the mileage?

 

Had it towed to a shop today... South Bay Driveline... had great reviews on Yelp for being a straight-shooter with fair prices.

All the U-joints in the driveshaft are shot along with the center support bearing. They said the spline didn't have any grease in it which is what caused it. What would cause the spline to have no grease?? Sure wish it was still under warranty. 86k miles but being an 05, warranty's been out for over a year.

$607 to repair. They'll have it done in a couple of hours.

Rob

 

Got it back. WOW what a difference. I guess this problem has been building for some time. The thing is actually SMOOTH now! It's like a new truck.

The issue was the spline where the two halves of the driveshaft fit together. They don't put enough grease in from the factory, so unless you know to grease it (and you have to disassemble it to grease it), you'd never know until the thing failed like it did for me.

The lack of grease caused the thing to lock up. They salvaged the splines but said it'll have to be replaced in another 20-30k miles.

So, if you have more than, say, 80k on your truck, pull the rear section of your driveshaft and regrease it. He did say to not use too much grease because it would blow the plug and get everything contaminated, so be careful.

Rob

 

Thanks for the update and info!

I have just turned 100k. I guess I know what I will be doing very soon!!

 

This usually means a suspension problem, and not a drive line problem. Drive line problems are usually related to engine rpm and/or load.

Get the truck up in the air, and check all your steering and suspension components. Since it's more pronoucned whill turning, that usually means front end - but not always. If the front checks out OK, move to the rear.

 

?????

Bob, he solved the problem already, and you are wrong.

Wow that kind of sucks huh? LOL! Just kidding!

 

Nope, doesn't suck. I'm wrong sometimes. That's why I use the word, "usually". And, that's why I read boards like this one.

Bad carrier bearings and U-joints usually show up under a load.

 

Yes, I agree, just funny how you posted after he had solved the issue and had the wrong advice.

I get a pronounced take-off shutter, probably worse than it has been, and I have recently installed a 2.5" front lift, have air bags lifting the rear, and a new trans.

Goerend said they questioned the integrity of my motor mounts.... But I think I may have a carrier bearing going.

I should just get the one piece shaft.