2002 5 speed 4X4 dodge diesel:

I have a vibration in my truck which feels like a u joint going. I took off the front drive shaft which often causes problems but the vibration and humming sound still remains. I checked over every joint with no problems detected. Does a diff, transfer case,, or transmittion problem cause this type of problem? How can you detect a problem in the above area?

2002 Dodge 4X4 Diesel, 330000
2006 Dodge 4X4 Diesel, 60000
1984 Nissan Diesel truck 245000

 

explain how it sounds when it occurs?

Does the sound change when you put it in 4x4?

Did you check tire balance?

does the steering wheel shake?

are the tires wearing obnormal?

 

At 330,000 miles, if the joints have never been changed, I'd just go ahead and have new ones installed. About the only way to really check 'em is to pull them apart and if you go that far, replace 'em. I had new ones put in a few years ago and soon after the vibration was back. Had em checked and one was binding a little. They had to re-set the cups and then all was ok. BUT- if it starts vibrating again, the joints are coming out and news ones will be installed. Make sure you also check the carrier bearing at the center of the drive shaft.

 

could it be wheel bearings????? i have the same darn problem (among other things ie: wobble between 50 and 60 kph, and a clunk in the frontend)

 

Do you have a driveshaft support bearing? If so, make sure there is no side play in it. They do wear out, mine went at 125k.

 

driveshaft bent or tires outa balance?