1999 GMC Sierra Driveline Vibration!

Mike_P · August 14, 2003

Hi Guys!

I recently purchased a 1999 GMC Sierra, extended cab / short bed pickup truck.

I've noticed a vibration when pulling away from a stoplight, mainly between 5 and 25 MPH.

I went to the Alldata website to check for TSB's on my vehicle, and found one that seems to

apply.....TSB no. 02-04-17-001A, entitled 'Drivetrain - Launch Shudder / Vibration On Acceleration'.

Unfortunately, my local GMC dealer told me the corrective action is to replace the two-piece

driveshaft assembly, at a cost of roughly $1400.00!

Have any of you guys experienced this problem? What did you do to correct it?

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide,

Mike

FlashJim · August 14, 2003

I think I feel the same thing. I'll have to look into the driveshaft thing.

Nice choice in trucks, btw. What are your plans for it? Click on my link in my sig and email me if you get a chance.

rjgogo · August 14, 2003

You can get a new custom drive shaft built for a lot less then that.

The first thing I would check would be the ujoints on the shaft it self. Pull it off and check for play.

Shaners · August 14, 2003

The reason GM is wanting a new 1-piece drive shaft is because of a problem at the carrier bearing. I had mine replaced under warranty.

I agree to check your universals first, because it isn't that uncommon for them to go bad...

Sandman1 · August 14, 2003

I too have the same problem. It is caused by the 2-piece driveshaft. Mine got worse on my 2WD after I put on a set of leveling shackles that lowered the rear about 1.5". GM abandoned the 2-piece drive shaft in 2000 for a 1-piece to get rid of this problem. I currently have 50K miles on my truck so no luck getting it fixed under warranty. I wish I would have maid some noise about it before my warranty ran out. It is pretty bad when I am towing my boat. My dealers response the last time I took it in was to quote "to not take off so fast and it will not vibrate"???? What exactly are U-joints and how do I check them?

1999GMCZ-71 · August 14, 2003

My 1999 Sierra has a one piece driveshaft. Does that mean it was replaced or do some 99's come with a one piece? It is an extended cab 5.3 Z71

Sandman1 · August 14, 2003

Here is something that may help. I am going to order one and give it a try. http://www.djmsuspension.com/Products/Tech/CB99.htm

rjgogo · August 14, 2003

This link should help with the part and pieces.

http://www.4xshaft.com

Edit, I gues it uses frames to click on the Tech Info link at the top of the page

Import Hater · August 15, 2003

GM abandoned the 2-piece drive shaft in 2000 for a 1-piece to get rid of this problem.

My 2001 has a two piece. A GM tech told me a trick I could try that involves drilling a hole in the slip yoke so it can fill with ATF to act as a cush drive. I think this adresses the 1-2 clunk problem more, but he said it applies to this TSB too. But it's something the dealer just "does" as a final cure upon repeat complaints on the same vehicle. It's not a factory sanctioned repair.

Rob

Shaners · August 15, 2003

What exactly are U-joints and how do I check them?

Sandman1, grab your dirveshaft and check for slop. If you feel it move then it is in your universal joints. They are the large swivel joints that connect your drive shaft to your rear end and your transfer case or tranny.

FlashJim · August 15, 2003

Shaners, I own Odyclub. I thought that was you.

Sandman1, great link. I'll have to do a search to see if anyone has actually used the new bracket.

Shaners · August 15, 2003

Shaners, I own Odyclub. I thought that was you.

FlashJim!!! That is pretty cool.... I haven't been to the OdyClub for awhile (at least not to post). Our Ody is running great and has about 12k miles on it now....

Sandman1 · August 15, 2003

Shaners,

When you say check for slop are you talking front-to-back or side-to-side?

I denfinately have slop side-to-side but from what I can tell that is within the carrier bearing. I would say 1/4 to 1/2 inch.

I ordered the DJM carrier bearing relocation kit ($30). SHould have it on Monday and will install next weekend and let you guys know how it goes. I think getting a steeper angle on the rear driveshaft is key to getting rid of the vibration. I have a set of air bags on the back of my truck and when I fill them up all the way to jack up the back the vibration is much less noticeable. If I empty the bags and drop the rear the vibration gets much worse.

sjspor · August 15, 2003

Mike, I'm guessing that you have a 2wd. ext cab, they have a 2 piece steel drive shift.

Now if yours had been replaced by the dealer, the rear u joint would be a double carden joint, which is like 2 u joints. If it is the orignal, it would just have a single u joint.

The first indication I had of a problem was I would come to a stop, and as the drive line came to a stop, i would feel like a little push, and then when I took off, a delay, like the drive shaft turning then the car would move.

But when I was towing, The shaking from a stop was really really bad...

Now, some one said they stoped using this drive shaft, not true. They only replaced the ones the customers complain about. The one piece drive shift, a big Alum. one, is used on the 4 wheel drive 1500's.

My suggestion is go find a good frame/aligment/axle shop and ask them, I mean the kind of shop in the not so good part of town.. when they still fix things. The place the cop cars go to be aligned...

Shaners · August 15, 2003

The first indication I had of a problem was I would come to a stop, and as the drive line came to a stop, i would feel like a little push, and then when I took off, a delay, like the drive shaft turning then the car would move.

What you describe here is the infamous "driveline clunk". It is a problem with the slip yoke. GM has design a new nickle plated slip yoke to help cure the problem...