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I believe the U-joint at the front end of the rear drive shaft is wearing out. 2006 Off Road Xterra with automatic transmission, no lift.
The symptoms keep on evolving so I am hoping for a confirmation or other suggestions.
When I returned from a long road trip to Skeena country in northern British Columbia late last April, the Xterra was working just fine.
About a week later, I noticed a vibration in the steering wheel column and seats that seemed to originate from the drive train. I had the wheels balanced but it did not go away.
1. The vibration occurred only while the vehicle was under power in the just under 80km/hour to 100km/hour range. (50 to 63 mph). It varied in intensity depending on the weight in the vehicle.
2. Then a few weeks ago, the vibration under power in that speed range disappeared and was replaced by a chattering sound that my wife initially described as a whistling sound. Others might describe it as a squeaking sound. That occurred mostly at lower speeds under light power or no power.
3. Roughly at the same time the intermittent chattering started, I noticed a slight vibration while coasting in the 80-100km/hour range. Slight enough that I might not have noticed it if I were not paying close attention.
My mechanic has had the vehicle up on a hoist and even removed the rear drive shaft but any play in the U-joint or rear CV joint was very slight if any. I also put the rear wheels up on a ramp and tested the U-joint and CV joint for play.
Thoughts?
Alignment is fine. Steering is tight. Tires are Michelin LTX M/S and they appear to be wearing evenly. The X corners well (with aftermarket Bilstein shocks). I don't see any seal leakages along the drive shaft or the rear axle. Runs just fine in 4WD High up to 80 km/h (50 mph). Rear differential fluid was checked.
The symptoms keep on evolving so I am hoping for a confirmation or other suggestions.
When I returned from a long road trip to Skeena country in northern British Columbia late last April, the Xterra was working just fine.
About a week later, I noticed a vibration in the steering wheel column and seats that seemed to originate from the drive train. I had the wheels balanced but it did not go away.
1. The vibration occurred only while the vehicle was under power in the just under 80km/hour to 100km/hour range. (50 to 63 mph). It varied in intensity depending on the weight in the vehicle.
2. Then a few weeks ago, the vibration under power in that speed range disappeared and was replaced by a chattering sound that my wife initially described as a whistling sound. Others might describe it as a squeaking sound. That occurred mostly at lower speeds under light power or no power.
3. Roughly at the same time the intermittent chattering started, I noticed a slight vibration while coasting in the 80-100km/hour range. Slight enough that I might not have noticed it if I were not paying close attention.
My mechanic has had the vehicle up on a hoist and even removed the rear drive shaft but any play in the U-joint or rear CV joint was very slight if any. I also put the rear wheels up on a ramp and tested the U-joint and CV joint for play.
Thoughts?
Alignment is fine. Steering is tight. Tires are Michelin LTX M/S and they appear to be wearing evenly. The X corners well (with aftermarket Bilstein shocks). I don't see any seal leakages along the drive shaft or the rear axle. Runs just fine in 4WD High up to 80 km/h (50 mph). Rear differential fluid was checked.
