Dear Tom,
I own a 2000 GMC Sonoma, ext cab, V6, 2WD, automatic transmission. The truck has a two-piece driveshaft. It vibrates at 35 to 40 mph and 70 to 75 mph (I don’t feel it in the steering). The vehicle also has new balanced tires. While checking the U-joints I noticed the carrier-bearing rubber mount seems to be distorted or collapsed toward the bottom, but there’s no free play up and down. Could this be causing the vibration?
Ed from West Seneca, NY
Ed,
I would recommend having the driveshaft checked for proper balance. When a ding or dent damages the shaft, it can get knocked out of balance causing a drivetrain vibration. The condition of the molded rubber mount of the carrier-bearing doesn’t sound too good either. Get the vehicle up on a lift and have it checked. If that bearing is allowed to jump up and down while driving the vehicle, a vibration will ensue. Good luck.
Tom
Tom Torbjornsen is an automotive expert of 37 years. An automotive journalist in good standing with the IMPA (International Motor Press Association) and MPG (Motor Press Guild), Torbjornsen is the Repair and Maintenance Editor for AOL Autos, At Home Portals and many other websites. Hear his radio show. America’s Car Show, on the SSI Radio Network Saturdays at 8 a.m. Listen to the show on the live stream during regular show times at www.americascarshow.com. Send your car questions to his website at www.americascarshow.com. You can also find Tom’s book, “How To Make Your Car Last Forever,” in local Barnes & Nobel booksellers, or order online at Amazon.com.
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