Tranny Rebuilt, Now Rear U-joint Vibration. Opinions Please.

Corbin Dallas · January 17, 2008

95K on 2000 Silverado ext cab 2wd. On Tuesday, tranny rebuild ran me $2200 2yr/24,000 warranty.

After replacing it all, the mechanic noticed the vibration at 20-25 mph and then gone thereafter. I recalled this being there before the rebuild, but did not really care to investigate since it was minor.

He said it was the rear U-joint that had a little play in it and he recommended it be replaced soon. While he was at it, he said he would like to do all three. It's the 2 piece shaft. I guess the carrier bearing is OK, so no need to monkey with that.

Their price to remove it, replace the U-joints, send it out to be balanced and re-install it is $175.

I had half a mind to do it myself (after the tranny bill), but now that price doesn't seem too bad.

Whaddya think?

Bish · January 17, 2008

95K on 2000 Silverado ext cab 2wd. On Tuesday, tranny rebuild ran me $2200 2yr/24,000 warranty.

After replacing it all, the mechanic noticed the vibration at 20-25 mph and then gone thereafter. I recalled this being there before the rebuild, but did not really care to investigate since it was minor.

He said it was the rear U-joint that had a little play in it and he recommended it be replaced soon. While he was at it, he said he would like to do all three. It's the 2 piece shaft. I guess the carrier bearing is OK, so no need to monkey with that.

Their price to remove it, replace the U-joints, send it out to be balanced and re-install it is $175.

I had half a mind to do it myself (after the tranny bill), but now that price doesn't seem too bad.

Whaddya think?

That price is decent for the work IMO. What is your time worth? I replaced my own Universals and it was a minor pain but nothing too bad. I also spent about $60 to balance the driveshaft. At your price, I would have had it done!

sillyazz · January 17, 2008

I would let them do it ,espically if it has the teflon that has to be melted out to me able to get the U-Joint caps out.

HawkScot · January 17, 2008

I don't know about your rig, but my '98 Yukon front U-joints had the plastic retainers and it took a press to get them out. There are many tricks to getting them apart but it is easier to plan before you take it apart if you do it yourself. Mine turned out fine, just took a few minutes to break the plastic retainers.

If the $175 price includes good quality parts and the balance, it might be worth it (I don't know what they would charge you for the balance if you walked in with your driveshaft in hand).