Notice: Do not fill the propeller shaft with foam, oil, or any other substance
in order to correct a vibration. Filling the propeller shaft is only effective
in reducing an unrelated condition called Torsional Rattle. Filling the propeller
shaft should only be done in strict adherence to the procedure outlined in
corporate bulletins that address Torsional Rattle. Failure to follow the correct
procedure will induce a vibration and/or affect the structural integrity of
the propeller shaft. The propeller shaft will then have to be replaced.
- Support the vehicle on a hoist or jackstands. Support the axles at curb
height. Refer to
Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
in
General Information.
- Turn the ignition ON.
- Place the transmission in NEUTRAL.
- Remove the rear tire/wheel assemblies. Refer to
Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
in Tires and Wheels.
- Remove the brake rotors. Refer to
Brake Rotor Refinishing
in
Disc Brakes or
Brake Drum Replacement
in
Drum Brakes.
- Inspect the propeller shaft. The propeller shaft should be free of undercoating
before continuing.
Notice: Do not depress the brake pedal with the brake rotors and/or the brake
drums removed, or with the brake calipers repositioned away from the brake
rotors, or damage to the brake system may result.
- Start the engine.
- Place the transmission in the highest forward gear.
- Have an assistant accelerate and decelerate the vehicle through the speed
range at which the vibration was first noted during the Vibration Analysis -
Road Testing procedure.
- Record whether the vibration was present, and at what speed.
- If the vibration is present, determine which end of the driveshaft is
vibrating the most. Hold an J 38792-A
Electronic Vibration Analyzer (EVA) 2 vibration sensor up to the pinion nose
and the transmission tailshaft housing.
- If the vehicle is equipped with a multiple-piece propeller shaft, hold
an J 38792-A
vibration sensor
up to the center support bearings to inspect for vibration.
- If the transmission tailshaft housing is vibrating, hold the J 38792-A
vibration sensor up to the transmission crossmember
under the transmission mount. If there is no vibration on the crossmember, then the
transmission mount is working properly.
- Record which end of the driveshaft is vibrating the most, and how severe
the vibration is. The inspection will be a reference by which to judge future progress.