YW84U
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- March 10, 2000
- Messages
- 136
- Reaction score
- 1
- City, State
- BC
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1991 XLT
I currently have my truck up in the air, trying to determine if the rear axle has goneout on me. My symptoms are a shudder during drivng speeds only, noticable at 60-64 KPH, bad at 112 KPH and brutal (white knuckle) at 122 KPH. I had the diffs serviced 2 months ago at a shop, and they had noticed a small tab from one of the LS friction plates sitting in the bottom of the pumpkin. They did not note any damage, just the usual R&P wear expected at 311,000 KMs. When I had picked up the vehicle, they asked me if I wanted the friction modifier added, and of course I said 'yes' as it is LS. The shuddering, and feeling like something was 'dragging' persisted, and I honestly cannot recall if any of that was there before the service.
I put her up on stands today, and tried to roll the tires to and fro. When I turn the passenger rear forwards, I can feel a definite 'ratcheting' effect, and the opposite drivers wheel does turn in the opposite direction. Same deal applies when I switch around - a pronounced 'ratcheting' in the axle, and clanging from somewhere in the driveline (truck is in park). I decided to run it up on the stands (with appropriate safety measures) up to 62 KPH, and could feel the shuddering as when driven on road. Howver, when I have the wheels nearly stopped with the brakes, the passenger side will stop, and the driver's side will continue to spin (with light brake pressure), ratcheting and clanging away. It does not sound good....I cannot note any slop worth mentioning in either the u-joints or pinion bearing. The rear wheel bearings feel due, as there is a bit of play.......
I drive this on the freeway daily - am I in risk of something tragic happening until I get it into the shop for a better assesment? My fear is a lock up or something happening while at speed. Is there a chance the shop initially forgot the modifer, and trashed the guts of the axle? Is there anything else I can check while it's up in the air?
Any help is appreciated!
I put her up on stands today, and tried to roll the tires to and fro. When I turn the passenger rear forwards, I can feel a definite 'ratcheting' effect, and the opposite drivers wheel does turn in the opposite direction. Same deal applies when I switch around - a pronounced 'ratcheting' in the axle, and clanging from somewhere in the driveline (truck is in park). I decided to run it up on the stands (with appropriate safety measures) up to 62 KPH, and could feel the shuddering as when driven on road. Howver, when I have the wheels nearly stopped with the brakes, the passenger side will stop, and the driver's side will continue to spin (with light brake pressure), ratcheting and clanging away. It does not sound good....I cannot note any slop worth mentioning in either the u-joints or pinion bearing. The rear wheel bearings feel due, as there is a bit of play.......
I drive this on the freeway daily - am I in risk of something tragic happening until I get it into the shop for a better assesment? My fear is a lock up or something happening while at speed. Is there a chance the shop initially forgot the modifer, and trashed the guts of the axle? Is there anything else I can check while it's up in the air?
Any help is appreciated!
