2001 possible bad u-joint

[davejal1991]

I recently had a problem with a bent rim on my truck and replaced it, I have also replaced all 4 brake pads/rotors, parking brake hardware and front axle seals since i had the typical leak from the front axle. now I am still noticing a slight shaking or vibration which seems like it is probably a bad u-joint from what I have read on other threads. It does not seem extremely bad yet but if it is the u-joint i was just wondering how soon i need to have it fixed since i know a special tool is required which i do not have and i am in school and if i could hold off on this repair until mid december that would be good to know.

 

[Explodr94]

I am assuming that your vibration is while you are driving. It could be several things since you had a bent rim:

1- unbalanced tire
2- brake pads hanging up, calipers sticking - did you use anti-seize on the pins
3- check your hubs and bearings, a bent rim can do all kinds of damage (maybe shocks?)
4- warped rotor; did you turn the new rotors before the brake job. I know they're new, but metal is china cheap these days and/or ceramics tend to warp rotors.
5- your drive shaft could have thrown a weight and has become unbalanced. This is usually very pronounced.
6- then of course your u-joint

I would start by revisiting your brake job. Since that is what you did last.

 

[davejal1991]

The tires were rebalanced recently since they were unbalanced, the calipers were all serviced and anti-seize and brake lubricant were used where needed. So it is not the brakes or the rims or tires as i have also had those looked over. When the seals were replaced everything else such as the cv axles, control arms and such were inspected and are in great shape. The brakes are not warped yet. one of the rear rotors was warped before this and replaced and seems to be wearing good.

 

[vroomzoomboom]

what you can do is start by taking your rear drive shaft off, then go for a drive in 4x4 with it powering your front wheels (yes, you can do this without harming anything, i have done it in the past with my trucks), and see if you still have a vibration. if you still do, then pull the front shaft off (with the rear one back on) and go for a drive once again. if you still have a vibration, you will know you have eliminated it being either the drive shafts, or u joints on the drive shafts.

 

[davejal1991]

alright i am going to have a friend of mine look at the rear driveshaft first to give me his opinion since i can have him drive the truck alil bit but after that i will proceed.

 

[C420sailor]

If it is the u-joints on the rear shaft, they're not hard to replace. Took me about 3 hours and I'd never done the job before.