Bad Shudder/Vibration

[cromanyak]

Recently I noticed a vibration when I go over 45. Its gotten worse and worse to the point that it feels like your driving over rumble strips. It only does it when I'm on the gas though. When I let off it goes away, unless I'm coasting in neutral. It has to be in gear and not giving it any gas at all for it to go away. I shook down the front end. It seems ok. It also shudders in 2nd and 3rd gear at around 2000 rpm's? Any ideas what it could be?

[maddzz1]

Tires may be out of balance or a bad tie rod end. Mine does this too, I tracked it down to a bad tie rod end on the drag link at the pitman arm. Do you have alot of play in the wheel? or does it make a clunk when turning?

[wallisek]

I recently had the same issue with my 2001 Cherokee. Turned out to be worn u-joints on the front half-shafts and a bad u-joint on the rear drive shaft at the pinion end. All the needle bearings in one cap had completely disintegrated. Not sure why since I grease all my joints regularly. :???:

 

Driveshafts could also be out of balance. I'd pull your front & rear driveshaft one at a time to help determine if a joint / shaft is bad.

[cromanyak]

How do you tell if the U-Joints in the driveshaft are bad. Mine is only two wheel drive. I didn't get a chance to check anything out today. It rained. Hopefully tomorrow.

[wallisek]

You can remove the strap bolts on the shaft at the axle end. Only problem is you'll be able to inspect only two caps. Check to see if the needle bearings are still in the caps. Check for other obvious signs, cracks in the joint, slop, etc..In order to inspect all the caps and all ujoints, you'd need to remove them fromt he shaft. I'd highly suggest a press to remove / install joints. If you don't have one you could always find a machine or driveline shop. Really quick & cheap job.