Driveline Vibration

[Crazy Canuck]

My buddy has an '08 Yukon that seems to be developing a driveline vibration. It is noticable under acceleration and seems to be getting worse with time. The weights are still on the driveshaft an all of the joints seem pretty tight. Any ideas what this might be from?

[07VMax]

is it a slight bounce or a vibration?

[RayGMC]

Is it a 4WD and does it have a leveling kit? Leveling kits are known to cause the front axles to vibrate during acceleration.

[zibzer]

tires need balancing, U-joint shot on drive-shaft, rotors need replacing

these 3 seem to be common

[kdixer]

If it is only during acceleration I would suspect a faulty u-joint. The best way to check is to park the vehicle on level ground and have someone rock the vehicle back and forth by the tire while you check for slack in the u-joint (vehicle in park ofcourse without parking brake applied). Often, a simple shake of the driveshaft by hand will not reveal a problem unless it is really bad.

[Crazy Canuck]

Thanks guys. He had it in yesterday and it did turn out to be the U-Joint. Kdixer, I will have to remember that trick to check it. When he tried to shake things up by hand underneath, everything seemed tight.

[qualicas]

If it is only during acceleration I would suspect a faulty u-joint. The best way to check is to park the vehicle on level ground and have someone rock the vehicle back and forth by the tire while you check for slack in the u-joint (vehicle in park ofcourse without parking brake applied). Often, a simple shake of the driveshaft by hand will not reveal a problem unless it is really bad.

 

I'm having vibration at 50+. I was planning to do all sorts of things to check the U joints. Then I read your post.

I checked and the rear U joint has a slight amount of play. Just moving the driveshaft by itself and the play doesn't show up. I'm on my way to pick up a new U joint. I phoned my dealer and they have them. I phoned an auto parts store and they have them for half price but Chinese. I think I'll stick to OEM.

I'll report back if vibration is fixed.

Thanks in advance.

 

Well, I replaced the rear U joint. I noticed that there was one C clip missing where it attaches to the differential. (The clip that prevents the cups from sliding off the U joint body.) Anyway, pressed the U joint out and installed new. Went for a test drive and now it seems really smooth. I didn't realize even at slower speeds there was a vibration but I could feel it smoother right from just starting out. Best $80.00 I've spent in a long time. Well, actually, I bought the U joint for the front as well but it seemed to have no issues and since the vibration is gone it was the rear.

 

So thank you again. Next week I have a 2600 mile round trip to pick up a car in Las Vegas and driving with a vibration wasn't that appealing.

[dlewis1111]

If it is only during acceleration I would suspect a faulty u-joint. The best way to check is to park the vehicle on level ground and have someone rock the vehicle back and forth by the tire while you check for slack in the u-joint (vehicle in park ofcourse without parking brake applied). Often, a simple shake of the driveshaft by hand will not reveal a problem unless it is really bad.

 

I'm having vibration at 50+. I was planning to do all sorts of things to check the U joints. Then I read your post.

I checked and the rear U joint has a slight amount of play. Just moving the driveshaft by itself and the play doesn't show up. I'm on my way to pick up a new U joint. I phoned my dealer and they have them. I phoned an auto parts store and they have them for half price but Chinese. I think I'll stick to OEM.

I'll report back if vibration is fixed.

Thanks in advance.

 

 

Where are the OEM ones made?

[qualicas]

OEM are made in Mexico. Hey, at least it is in the NAFTA area. (North American free trade area)

[dlewis1111]

OEM are made in Mexico. Hey, at least it is in the NAFTA area. (North American free trade area)

 

Sure, thanks Clinton.........

[Garrett Street]

I was experiencing the same problems and i replaced my U Joints and that fixed the problem. But with an 08 I would be in question. let us know how it goes.