Propeller Shaft - Dodge dakota 2002 Service Manual

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PROPELLER SHAFT

PROPELLER SHAFT (Continued)
Drive Condition
Propeller Shaft Noise
Universal Joint Noise
PROPELLER SHAFT BALANCE
NOTE: Removing and re-indexing the propeller
shaft 180° relative to the yoke may eliminate some
vibrations.
If propeller shaft is suspected of being unbalanced,
it can be verified with the following procedure:
(1) Raise the vehicle.
(2) Clean all the foreign material from the propel-
ler shaft and the universal joints.
(3) Inspect the propeller shaft for missing balance
weights, broken welds, and bent areas. If the pro-
peller shaft is bent, it must be replaced.
(4) Inspect the universal joints to ensure that they
are not worn, are properly installed, and are cor-
rectly aligned with the shaft.
(5) Check the universal joint clamp screws torque.
(6) Remove the wheels and tires. Install the wheel
lug nuts to retain the brake drums or rotors.
(7) Mark and number the shaft six inches from the
yoke end at four positions 90° apart.
DRIVELINE VIBRATION
Possible Cause
1) Undercoating or other foreign
material on shaft.
2) Loose U-joint clamp screws.
3) Loose or bent U-joint yoke or
excessive runout.
4) Incorrect driveline angularity.
5) Rear spring center bolt not in
seat.
6) Worn U-joint bearings.
7) Propeller shaft damaged or out
of balance.
8) Broken rear spring.
9) Excessive runout or unbalanced
condition.
10) Excessive drive pinion gear
shaft runout.
11) Excessive axle yoke deflection.
12) Excessive transfer case runout.
1) Loose U-joint clamp screws.
2) Lack of lubrication.
(8) Run and accelerate the vehicle until vibration
occurs. Note the intensity and speed the vibration
occurred. Stop the engine.
(9) Install a screw clamp at position 1 (Fig. 1).
(10) Start the engine and re-check for vibration. If
there is little or no change in vibration, move the
clamp to one of the other three positions. Repeat the
vibration test.
(11) If there is no difference in vibration at the
other positions, the source of the vibration may not
be propeller shaft.
(12) If the vibration decreased, install a second
clamp (Fig. 2) and repeat the test.
(13) If the additional clamp causes an additional
vibration, separate the clamps (1/2 inch above and
below the mark). Repeat the vibration test (Fig. 3).
(14) Increase distance between the clamp screws
and repeat the test until the amount of vibration is
at the lowest level. Bend the slack end of the clamps
so the screws will not loosen.
Correction
1) Clean exterior of shaft and wash
with solvent.
2) Install new clamps and screws
and tighten to proper torque.
3) Install new yoke.
4) Measure and correct driveline
angles.
5) Loosen spring u-bolts and seat
center bolt.
6) Install new U-joint.
7) Installl new propeller shaft.
8) Install new rear spring.
9) Re-index propeller shaft, test,
and evaluate.
10) Re-index propeller shaft and
evaluate.
11) Inspect and replace yoke if
necessary.
12) Inspect and repair as necessary.
1) Install new clamps and screws
and tighten to proper torque.
2) Replace as U-joints as
necessary.
DR