Anyone had this problem?

[Desertfireguy]

So admittedly, I don't drive my trucks very often. I used my 2000 to make a couple of runs over the past few weeks and noticed a vibration at 75mph. Stopped by the tire shop since I was out and my pressures were all over the place, so they corrected them and it made a slight improvement.

Next time out it seemed even worse and I checked the pressures (which were all good) so I stopped back by to get all 4 balanced. Trying to rule out driveshaft imbalance, but it didn't help at all.

Started thinking u-joints so I climbed under to give things a shake and I noticed my transfer case was moving when I shook the driveshafts. I could have taken all the bolts off by hand!

Do y'all use any kind of Loctite on these or was this just a fluke?

 

[DaveBen]

NO don't use Locktite. Check them when you grease the u-joints. When the u-joints get loose they cause the vibration you feel and that can loosen the bolts. Your u-joints are shot before then so you need to pay attention.

 

[79jasper]

I wouldn't be scared of using blue loctite.

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[Clb]

Being I started riding triumphs, before I could get a car, then graduated to Harleys, I put locktite on EVERY bolt I touch.

There was something about aluminum galling or something.
Never had an issue.
Same thing with stainless.

Loose fasteners create havoc.
Old, lack of propper torque can be an issue.
The new trend of ugga-ugga torque is bs.
over torqueing kills fastners\thread boar but loose kills components.

 

[snicklas]

The new trend of ugga-ugga torque is bs.
over torqueing kills fastners\thread boar but loose kills components.

Completely agree. My oldest used to blow me s**t about wasting time using the torque wrench on the lug nuts when I had a wheel off.......

He had swapped wheels on previous IDI. He asked me to look at his truck because it had a strange noise and an occasional vibration. I took the truck for a ride, and heard what he was talking about. I had him shut off the truck and let it roll as I walked beside it. He asked what it was, that is when I reached down, and took off one of the lug nuts, by hand, and threw it in his lap...... almost all 32 nuts were loose......

Guess who uses a torque wrench now........

 

[Desertfireguy]

I do have and use a torque wrench, but don't remember being able to find the specs for these bolts when I rebuilt the ZF6. I'll definitely watch it on the next couple of rides and if they loosen again, I'll Loctite them.

Side note, I was able to grease the rearmost u-joint (zirc fitting) but the others seemed sealed. Any truth to that or am I blind?

 

[Clb]

Yea using an cordless impact on bolts rather than actually tightening them to spec is insane.
Try taking that shjt apart on the trail with hand tools.
I hear impact tools being used to asyemble something and mark that shop as a no go.
Got schooled decades ago by an old sage vw mechanic...
He said" got jumpy brakes check torque on the lugs "
The u joints may be sealed or servicable...
Could be either or both installed.
Clean and check

 

[79jasper]

I do have and use a torque wrench, but don't remember being able to find the specs for these bolts when I rebuilt the ZF6. I'll definitely watch it on the next couple of rides and if they loosen again, I'll Loctite them.

Side note, I was able to grease the rearmost u-joint (zirc fitting) but the others seemed sealed. Any truth to that or am I blind?

Depends if they've been replaced. Someone could have put sealed units.

I'm guilty of the impact on dumptruck wheels. Give them a healthy dose of ugga-duggas with the one inch impact.....

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[Desertfireguy]

So took it out for a short drive today and the vibration still exists. What's the next area of focus?

 

[79jasper]

Have you had the tires rebalanced?

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[Desertfireguy]

That is where I started to try to rule out the driveline. Saw them pull and balance all 4 while I waited. Pressures filled to specs inside door. Have no idea what else to check.

 

[DaveBen]

Your driveshaft can cause this. Crawl under there and shake the driveshaft near the ends. Does it move? YES=new u-joints.

 

[DaveBen]

Also look at the u-joints, are they aligned the same? If not pull the shaft apart and align then so they are the same and re-install. I have had this problem.

 

[rsaltaresjr]

Check the drive shaft hanger bearing for excessive wear. If it has thrust play or is binding replace it. Also make for certain your hubs aren’t locked. Auto hubs that don’t disengage will also cause a high speed vibration. Doesn’t have to be both, could be just one that’s stuck locked. Can you feel it in the steering? If so raise the front and check ball joints, hub bearings and steering linkage.

 

[Fredrickson]

Does it only happen at 75mph?

Do you feel it in the steering wheel.. or in the seat.. or whole truck?


Does it only happens at that one speed? or is there a lesser vibration at other speed intervals?

Is there in increase in vibration as you approach that speed..or is it suddenly there?