1998 Chevy S-10 rear end vibration

1998 BUCKEY DIME

MEMBER
1998 CHEVROLET S-10
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
125,878 MILES

I have a 1998 chevy s10 extended cab and I recently lowered my truck 3 inches. When I lowered the truck it drove fine and one day I noticed a vibration from the rear end, so I replaced the u-joints and rebalanced the driveshaft and I still have a vibration. The pinion angle is all correct. I noticed that my differential cover was leaking a little bit, so I changed the fluid and not much came out. Could the bearings in the rear end be going out? What bearings should I replace? Thanks

Friday, September 11th, 2009 AT 4:27 PM

3 Replies

PEAR69

MECHANIC
1,482 POSTS

If you had no or very little rear lube in the differential then you should replace the carrier and pinion bearings. Also inspect the ring and pinion gears for wear.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Friday, September 11th, 2009 AT 6:20 PM

1998 BUCKEY DIME

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks for the advice but I forgot to mention that I didnt have a vibration until I sent my drive shaft to a drive line shop to have u-joints put in. Could they have put a u-joint in wrong? Thanks

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Sunday, September 13th, 2009 AT 11:56 AM

PEAR69

MECHANIC
1,482 POSTS

If the driveline shop also ballanced the shaft, I doubt that they installed the u-joints wrong. Further more, it is practicaly impossible for anyone, with even the smallest mechanical knowledge, to install u-joints improperly. But, ya never know. Take the drive shaft out and "wiggle" the u-joints around. If they are free and sort of loose then they are fine--as long as they are new. If they are tight, then give the y-tang (where the joint is pressed into the shaft) a few swift taps with a hammer. This sets the cap roller bearings -- and if you need to do this -- then the u-joints were installed wrong.
The vibration may go away with just filling up the differential with fluid, but it is only a matter of time before any damage from no lube is apparent.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

-1

Monday, September 14th, 2009 AT 12:32 AM