Dodge RAM 1500 1998 Owner's Manual page 194

DR
REAR AXLE - 10 1/2 AA (Continued)
VIBRATION
Vibration at the rear of the vehicle is usually
caused by:
• Damaged drive shaft.
• Missing drive shaft balance weight(s).
• Worn or out-of-balance wheels.
• Loose wheel lug nuts.
• Worn U-joint(s).
• Loose/broken springs.
• Damaged axle shaft bearing(s).
• Loose pinion gear nut.
• Excessive pinion yoke run out.
• Bent axle shaft(s).
Check for loose or damaged front-end components
or engine/transmission mounts. These components
can contribute to what appears to be a rear end
vibration. Do not overlook engine accessories, brack-
ets and drive belts.
NOTE: All driveline components should be exam-
ined before starting any repair.
Condition
Wheel Noise
Axle Shaft Noise
Axle Shaft Broke
DIAGNOSTIC CHART
Possible Causes
1. Wheel loose.
2. Faulty, brinelled wheel bearing.
1. Misaligned axle tube.
2. Bent or sprung axle shaft.
1. Misaligned axle tube.
2 Vehicle overloaded.
3. Erratic clutch operation.
4. Grabbing clutch.
REAR AXLE - 10 1/2 AA
DRIVELINE SNAP
A snap or clunk noise when the vehicle is shifted
into gear (or the clutch engaged), can be caused by:
• High engine idle speed.
• Transmission shift operation.
• Loose engine/transmission/transfer case mounts.
• Worn U-joints.
• Loose spring mounts.
• Loose pinion gear nut and yoke.
• Excessive ring gear backlash.
• Excessive side gear to case clearance.
The source of a snap or a clunk noise can be deter-
mined with the assistance of a helper. Raise the vehi-
cle on a hoist with the wheels free to rotate. Instruct
the helper to shift the transmission into gear and lis-
ten for the noise. A mechanics stethoscope is helpful
in isolating the source of a noise.
1. Tighten loose nuts.
2. Replace bearing.
1. Inspect axle tube alignment.
Correct as necessary.
2. Inspect and correct as necessary.
1. Replace the broken shaft after
correcting tube mis-alignment.
2. Replace broken shaft and avoid
excessive weight on vehicle.
3. Replace broken shaft and avoid or
correct erratic clutch operation.
4. Replace broken shaft and inspect
and repair clutch as necessary.
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Correction