My u-joint wasn't noticably bad either when it started making the vibration. I found out after about a month and i took the u-Joint out that the needle bearings under one cap were missing. The only thing that sounds wierd is that you don't have a vibration at high speeds. Thats a typical symptom of a bad u-Joint. like others mentioned, put it up on jack stands and look for something loose. I would check motor and trans mounts also. Actually that would be my guess.
Severe Vibration At Low Speed Acceleration
Need some ideas for where to look. This just started up last night on my way home from work. Here's the situation:
For the previous month or so, I've had a subtle squeek coming from what I would guess is the u-joint of the driveshaft at the t-case. I am not 100% certain but this was where the sound seemed to originate from. Only occurred when I was like backing out of a parking spot or creeping through a parking lot. Checked for play in the driveshaft and wear on the u-joints but found nothing.
I was stopped at a redlight yesterday and when I went to accelerate, a horrible vibration started up. I'd compare it to driving on the shoulder of some interstates that have the grooves (I call them wake-up bumps). I mean it shakes everything. Again, it seems to originate around the t-case to rear axle area. It's so violent it's hard to pinpoint.
If I creep off the line, it either doesn't do it or it's so small it isn't noticeable. It only gets bad under decent power and only shakes up through around 25 mph. Then it smooths out and no problems at any other speed.
It is not affecting the transmission as the shake continues through the shift from 1st to 2nd gear (auto). No slippage in the tranny. No affects on the motor. Seems entirely related to speed/driveline rotation.
So what am I looking at/ for guys? Bad u-joint or something worse like t-case damage? This is my DD and ONLY vehicle so I can't risk being stranded or without.
Need help asap!
For the previous month or so, I've had a subtle squeek coming from what I would guess is the u-joint of the driveshaft at the t-case. I am not 100% certain but this was where the sound seemed to originate from. Only occurred when I was like backing out of a parking spot or creeping through a parking lot. Checked for play in the driveshaft and wear on the u-joints but found nothing.
I was stopped at a redlight yesterday and when I went to accelerate, a horrible vibration started up. I'd compare it to driving on the shoulder of some interstates that have the grooves (I call them wake-up bumps). I mean it shakes everything. Again, it seems to originate around the t-case to rear axle area. It's so violent it's hard to pinpoint.
If I creep off the line, it either doesn't do it or it's so small it isn't noticeable. It only gets bad under decent power and only shakes up through around 25 mph. Then it smooths out and no problems at any other speed.
It is not affecting the transmission as the shake continues through the shift from 1st to 2nd gear (auto). No slippage in the tranny. No affects on the motor. Seems entirely related to speed/driveline rotation.
So what am I looking at/ for guys? Bad u-joint or something worse like t-case damage? This is my DD and ONLY vehicle so I can't risk being stranded or without.
Need help asap!
1 - 4 of 24 Posts
Good luck Drake. Keep us posted.
Yea i wouldn't drive on the bad u joints either even though i drove for about a month on mine. Here are the ones i got. https://www.4x4parts.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=165_164&products_id=762 They are awesome. FYI. If you are going to do them yourself spray the crap out of them with some PB Blast and let them sit if possible. A bearin press is the best to use if you have one.
did you keep the u-joints??? pics???
1 - 4 of 24 Posts
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