New U-joint now vibrations & growling.

[DeadHammer]

I replaced my front drive shaft u-joint after it failed (from front drive shaft to front diff input) and now at about 55-60 mph I have vibrations and growling any ideas? :x:x:x

98 TJ Sport 4.0 5 speed

 

[SteelHeadz]

Where about do you hear the Growling and feel the Vibration?

 

[DeadHammer]

Well let me give you some back ground info first, when the u-joint failed the drive shaft came loose from the front diff while the jeep was in motion so it banged all around and took out my primary o2 sensor. I removed the drive shaft and drove to and from work without it installed for about a month, I went to the auto parts store today and bought a new u-joint installed it now I'm having the problem.

Ok, I hear the noise coming from the front axle area at about 50-55 mph then I can feel a vibriation in the steering wheel and then throughout Jeep as I speed up. I did check the drive shaft for play / slop (found none) and rechecked all the retainer bolts (good and tight). Then I checked the fluid level of the front diff and the t-case (they were full).

It never acted like this when I had the drive shaft in before the u-joint blew and now it acting up, I did not see any counter weights missing from the drive shaft so I'm asuming its still balanced, but I wonder if it became bent when the u-joint assembly flew apart, although the drive shaft never kissed the asphalt, the t-case skid plate kept that from happening.

 

[Utah_jeepster]

If it banged around just a bit it might be a little bent, just pull it off and run by a local drive shaft place and have them check it, should only run about 15$ if nothing is wrong, but if its slightly bent they could re-balance it for you. Not sure the cost there.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

The vibe is likely a bent driveshaft, the growling could be the transfer case front output bearing. Look for play in the front output yoke by trying to move it up and down by hand.

 

[DeadHammer]

ok guys will do thanks

 

[xt master]

I know someone that had to get the drive shaft balanced.It cost them $100 at some racing shop.He never had another problem with it.

 

[DeadHammer]

Actually figured it out, when the old u-joint failed while driving it stretched out the retainer about 2 mils which was just enough to cause it to bind and rub the drive shaft yoke causing the vibration my front end dips down up and little at highway speeds.

 

[DeadHammer]

Compare the good one left, to the bad one right an y'all see what I mean the last pic I took w/ my crappy camera phone at work, u can kinda see how it was binding

 

[SteelHeadz]

Have you considered upgrading the straps to a U-Bolt type?, It's much stronger and reliable.

 

[DeadHammer]

Hmm, might be a good investment sense I'm in the market for a new set lol, the corner parts store has some generic cheapskates for about $9.00. Do you have a link or something SteelHeadz?

 

[SteelHeadz]

The one's i bought is from a Local Dealership. Napa should have them too. The only thing you will need to do is drill out the existing thread on the yoke so that the u-bolts will slide right in, then install a lock washer on each bolt and nuts. the only thing to keep in mind is the space to screw the nut behind the yoke is very minimal. Check to see if your gonna have enough room behind there before you do this..