Oscillating vibrations

[rustbucket]

I'm having a vibration problem I just can't figure out. I can feel an oscillating vibration while driving down the road. The oscillations speed up and slow down with the speed of the vehicle. They also seem to intensify with speed. It's not so noticable around town, but when I hit the hightway, it becomes pretty bad. I had the driveshaft rebuilt and the tires balanced, but no luck. I did a thread search of the forum, but couldn't find anything like it. Any bright ideas out there?

 

[68ford]

i have something similar, ive replaced drive shaft and entire rear axle, i think its the output yoke/shaft on the tramsfer case,they should be pretty tight and mines loose and leaks pretty bad.

 

[SaddleUp]

I'm having a vibration problem I just can't figure out. I can feel an oscillating vibration while driving down the road. The oscillations speed up and slow down with the speed of the vehicle. They also seem to intensify with speed. It's not so noticable around town, but when I hit the hightway, it becomes pretty bad. I had the driveshaft rebuilt and the tires balanced, but no luck. I did a thread search of the forum, but couldn't find anything like it. Any bright ideas out there?

Have you looked at the driveline angles? It sounds like you covered the u-joints already so that is where I would look next. Also be sure there isn't a bad motor or tranny mount. If there are then the drivetrain can sometimes contact the frame and transfer extra vibrations to it. Let us know if you need to find out how to check the angles.

 

[ca1a73]

I had the same problem, eventually it got worse. It turned out to be the CV joint coming from the t-case to the rear driveline. hope this helps.

 

[taxx]

This may sound stupid, but I had a problem like this that I chased for 2 years, another buddy had the same experience and both ended up being the same thing, the wheels.

We both had aftermarket aluminum wheels. They would balance fine, but something was with them that they caused the truck to vibrate. I changed wheels and it went away.

A bad tire can cause that too.

as mentioned about, driveline angles

you might check your bearings (typically they groan though)

Are your hubs unlocked?

 

[ca1a73]

I have aftermarket aluminum wheels on mine. Anyway to check and see if the rim itself is unbalanced?

 

[taxx]

I don't know. I don't think its very common, maybe just cheap wheels but I have heard it from a couple others. maybe they are out of round? Its hard to chase a vibration in the tires or wheels due to imprefections. Only way I know if is to swap rims and see what happens, but not everyone has a spare set of rims laying around.

 

[cracker]

Another thing to check is your driveshaft. Have you hit it or anything? Makes sure it is balanced! This is a common missed area for drive line vibrations.

 

[rustbucket]

All good suggestions. I'm going to have to find a way to check my tires. The truck sat for awhile, so They could have flat spotted a bit. I had them rebalanced, but if they are out of round, that could be a problem. I'm getting to the point where I just buy a new driveshaft and new tires and wheels just to see if it helps!

 

[KJHill]

I have some 33" tires & wheels, if you were closer you could put them on to see if it goes away. Anyway, good luck.

 

[taxx]

All good suggestions. I'm going to have to find a way to check my tires. The truck sat for awhile, so They could have flat spotted a bit. I had them rebalanced, but if they are out of round, that could be a problem. I'm getting to the point where I just buy a new driveshaft and new tires and wheels just to see if it helps!

Correct me if I am wrong, but if it is flat spots the vibe should go away as you get some wear on them and round them back out.

 

[antnykk]

could be a lot of things.

you can check the tires by jacking the truck and while spinning them by hand, put a tool(screwdriver, pencile, etc.) very close to the tire. While spinning, the gap between the tire and pencil should stay constant. It is best to stabilize the tool against something. Do not depend on your hand.

This can be done to diiferent spots on the tires, rims, etc.
Maybe you threw a belt inside one of the tires. But, like I said could be lots of things.

P.S.- Bad shocks could also cause a vibration that feels exactly like a wheel, driveshaft, etc. problem.

 

[Flash69]

My guess would be a broken belt or a rear wheel out of balance.

 

[sdever98]

You could always disconnect the rear driveline, and drive the bronco with front wheel drive to see if the vibration still exists. That should help determine the location of the vibration.

Scott.