Posted by Jeff N on December 12, 02 at 11:41:45:
In Reply to: Driveshaft removal 97 Sub... posted by BIG BLUE on December 11, 02 at 21:54:20:
BIG BLUE,
Please keep it coming and let us know what happens with you vibration.
I just went through this on my 91'V1500. Although it's older than yours, we are doing the same things. I originally went in to replace the output shaft seal to the rear driveshaft because it was leaking. I also had them rotate and balance the tires. (33" BFG AT). They called halfway and said they could replace the ujounts at the same time. I approved. Got the truck back and it vibrated terribly.
Brought it back for the first time and complained. They unbolted the driveshaft, rotated 180 degrees and said it was done.
Vibration improved but not eliminated. Brought it back a second time. Came back after work and they said they re-balanced the tires. (I guess they couldn't do it right the first time!)
Vibration still the same. Read about aligning the splines from the output shaft and told them about it. They said they never have to in the past, so they decided to send the driveshaft out for balancing. Picked the truck up for the third time....vibration still there.
Decided to take it to GM Dealer to get this finally resolved. GM told me, after two mechanics opinion, it was in fact, the tires. (I am definitely keeping that work order for the future, just in case.) GM did point out that my lower ball joints were going bad.
I decided, if the vibration was not noticable before I started this whole thing and, if their theory is correct in the tires, the vibration will go away once
I rotate them back to original location.
Did not work. Truck still vibrates from 50-70mph.
I do believe that the loose ball joints may be contributing to the irregular wear and ultimitely, the vibration I am now exeriencing. The problem is that I did this all within a short period of time and I don't believe the tires can wear that quickly to create the vibration that was NOT present when I started this whole thing. I plan on replacing the ball joints in a few weeks, just as soon as my Praise Rotors, Pads and rear Shoes arrive!!
Ultimate test will be new tires but I am doubtful. Keep me posted on your success.