Is this vibration the drive line?

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Rick Wilmath, Jul 10, 2018.

  1. Rick Wilmath

    Rick Wilmath Light Load Member

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    May 15, 2016
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    I have a 1993 Freightliner conventional. It has a 13 speed transmission and a Caterpillar 3406 b motor. There has been a slight vibration for the last few months but lately it is getting more noticeable.

    It is not a constant vibration but goes in and out in a regular rhythm. It is more noticeable when I am pulling an empty trailer but is still there when loaded or even bobtail.

    I tried pushing in the clutch and the vibration is still there.

    I have only owned the truck for about a year so I don't know any more history.

    I was thinking of pulling the drive line off and having it balanced but am not sure if this is the problem.

    Any ideas?
    Thanks
     
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  3. Luwi67

    Luwi67 Heavy Load Member

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    I wouldn't pull anything off until you thoroughly check each component in the driveline first. Play in the u-joints- wiped out carrier bearing- input and output play on drive axles- pinion angle/ ride height.
    Throwing money at a problem first always is the wrong move.
     
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  4. bryan21384

    bryan21384 Road Train Member

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    It could be as simple as a need to balance your tires
     
  5. rolls canardly

    rolls canardly Road Train Member

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    I recently had this and it was the slop in the front yoke.
    New one on it now and good to go.
     
  6. Mattflat362

    Mattflat362 Road Train Member

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    I don't know what you are chasing but the worst one to chase/find/figure out for me over the years was sloppy injector spray. The bottle of Lucas does exactly what it says it does on the side of the bottle.

    After back to back ot back to back tests over 150k or so I now swear by it forever. I won't fuel without it.
     
  7. uncleal13

    uncleal13 Road Train Member

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    In and out vibration can also be loose wheel bearings. Supposed to be adjusted properly at 0.001-0.005” play. Most are found to be over 0.020”
     
  8. Rick Wilmath

    Rick Wilmath Light Load Member

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    May 15, 2016
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    Thanks everyone for the info.
    Luwi67, I agree with you that throwing money is a bad move but how do I get this problem diagnosed?
    A professional mechanic has checked out the ujoints, yoke and carrier bearings and we replaced the forward u joint and yoke.
     
  9. lester

    lester Midwest's #1 Feed Hauler

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    I'd check your ride height
     
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  10. windsmith

    windsmith Road Train Member

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    Drive it until it breaks. Trucks vibrate. It is what it is.
     
  11. swaan

    swaan Road Train Member

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    Genius lol

    I guess my truck is broken then because its smooth as silk.
     
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