A number of problems can be associated with poor driveline performance, below we offer information on how to identify the problem and additional information on what may be causing the condition to help you in diagnose problems that fall into the following categories:
Driveshaft failure at freeway speeds is traumatic, don’t let it happen to you or your wife.
PROBLEM -- Vibration
- Low gear shudder
- At certain speeds under full drive or full coast
- Under light loaded conditions
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Causes |
Solutions |
| Secondary couple load reaction at shaft center support support bearing Improper phasing Incompatible driveshaft Driveshaft weight not compatible with engine-transmission mounting Driveshaft too long for speed Loose outside diameter fit on slip spline Excessively loose u-joint for speed Driveshaft out of balance; not straight Unequal u-joint angles U-joint angle too large for continuous running Worn u-joint Inadequate Torque on bearing plate cap screws Torsional and/or inertial excitation |
Reduce u-joint continuous running angle Replace u-joint Install two piece driveshaft with shaft support bearing Use large diameter tube Shim drivetrain components to equalize u-joint angles Straighten and balance shaft Check with transmission or axle manufacture - replace shaft bearing Inspect u-joint flex effort for looseness - torque to specification Check driveshaft for correct yoke phase |
PROBLEM -- Premature Wear
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Broken Cross|
Causes |
Solutions |
| End yoke cross hole misalignment Excessive angularity Improper lubrication Excessive continuous running load Continuous operation at high angle/high speed Contamination and abrasion Worn or damaged seals Excessive torque load (shock loading) for u-joint and driveshaft size |
Use special alignment bar to check for end yoke cross hole misalignment, replace end yoke if misaligned Check u-joint operating angles with a spirit level protractor or Spicer Anglemaster®II, reduce excessive u-joint operating angles Lubricate according to specifications Replace u-joint kit Reduce u-joint continuous running angle Replace with higher capacity u-joint and driveshaft Check u-joint flex effort -- replace joint or yoke if necessary Clean and re lubricate u-joint Realign to proper running angle -- minimum 1/2 degree Torque bearing retention method to specificatio |
PROBLEM -- Slip Spline Wear
- Seizure
- Galling
- Outside diameter wear at extremities and at 180 degrees
- Spline shaft or tube broken in torsion
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Causes |
Solutions |
| Improper lubrication Worn or damaged part Tube size inadequate Excessive torque load for u-joints and driveshaft size Male spline head engagement length too short for application Excessive loose outside diameter fit Slip member working in extreme extended or fully collapsed position Contamination |
Lubricate slip spline according to specifications Replace with higher capacity u-joint and driveshaft Check u-joint flex effort -- replace joint or yoke if necessary Clean and re lubricate according to specification Replace spline -- check design for application Use Spicer Glidecote slip spline Increase driveshaft assembly length to position slip spline head towards u-joint Check for male slip member with longer spline Use larger diameter tube |
PROBLEM -- Shaft and/or Tube Failure
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Causes |
Solutions |
| Balance weight located in apex of weld yoke lug area Balance weight too close to circle weld Improper circle weld Bending fatigue due to secondary couple loads Driveshaft too long for operating speeds Worn or damaged parts Excessive torque load (shock loading) for u-joint and driveshaft size Improper lubrication of bearings Shaft support bearing misaligned -- interferes with slinger |
Reduce u-joint continuous running angle Replace with higher capacity u-joint and driveshaft Install two piece driveshaft with shaft support bearing Use larger diameter tube Normal bearing wear -- replace Realign mounting bracket to frame cross member to eliminate interference with slinger |
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Causes |
Solutions |
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Mating yoke lug interference at full jounce and rebound
Need additional help or to order parts call and talk to our driveshaft expert 1800-216-1632. |
Reduce u-joint continuous running angles Other Driveline related issues: |
