Brakes - Dodge RAM 1500 1998 Owner's Manual

3 - 2 PROPELLER SHAFT
PROPELLER SHAFT (Continued)
Drive Condition
Propeller Shaft Noise
Universal Joint Noise
PROPELLER SHAFT BALANCE
If propeller shaft is suspected of being out of bal-
ance, use the following procedure.
NOTE: Indexing propeller shaft 180° relative to the
yoke may eliminate some vibrations.
(1) Raise and support vehicle.
(2) Clean all foreign material from the propeller
shaft and universal joints.
(3) Inspect propeller shaft for missing balance
weights, broken welds and bent areas. If propeller
shaft is bent, it must be replaced.
(4) Inspect universal joints for wear and properly
installed.
(5) Check propeller shaft bolt torques.
(6) Remove wheels and install lug nuts to retain
brake rotors.
(7) Mark and number the shaft six inches from the
pinion yoke end at four positions 90° apart.
(8) Run and accelerate vehicle until vibration
occurs. Note the intensity and speed the vibration
occurred. Stop the engine.
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.
(9) Install a screw clamp at position 1 (Fig. 1).
1 - CLAMP
2 - SCREWDRIVER
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.
Fig. 1 CLAMP SCREW AT POSITION 1
DR
Correction