Vibration in driveline
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 570
Likes: 22
Vibration in driveline
I have a 69 427 with manual transmission. On the highway at speeds above 65 mph, I hear and feel a vibration through the shifter. Sounds like it could be coming from the drive shaft. Any thoughts on how to diagnose this and correct it?
Pro
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 708
Likes: 150
From: Minnesota
Could be a few things, but if it hasn't been there before I would start by looking at u-joints on the main driveshaft. Although, you would typically notice some clicks or noises either when taking off and accelerating (front) or letting off and slowing (rear). In my experience the rear joint tends to let go first.
In the past on a 60's Camaro I had a bad vibration at higher speeds only, that would progressively build and would settle down when I got down to 30-40mph. It was a sprung/bent rear input yolk where the main shaft meets the rear differential, after a day at the drag strip with slicks.
I would start with u-joints as they are cheap and the first in line as potential culprits. Any noticeable noises or clunks when you let out the clutch to take off or back up?
In the past on a 60's Camaro I had a bad vibration at higher speeds only, that would progressively build and would settle down when I got down to 30-40mph. It was a sprung/bent rear input yolk where the main shaft meets the rear differential, after a day at the drag strip with slicks.
I would start with u-joints as they are cheap and the first in line as potential culprits. Any noticeable noises or clunks when you let out the clutch to take off or back up?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 570
Likes: 22
I sometimes notice clunks when backing and then moving forward. I've had the car for a couple of months and have been putting it through the paces and making note of things. I've read it could also be an unbalanced drive shaft? How do you check u-joints?
Zen Vet Master Level VII
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 5,218
Likes: 1,174
From: Southlake, TX
Yes. More than likley your U Joints.
Also and "un balanced drive shaft" feel can be caused by U Joints beginning to fail.
Raise your rear tire off the ground and more the tire back and forth. If you hear something funny and/or have too much play, you probably have an issue.
Also, while up in the air, take a look at the joints. Often times you will visually see a rusty powdery stuff or (in my case) you might see that you are missing a cap.
U Joints are a safety issue, so look at them soon,
Also and "un balanced drive shaft" feel can be caused by U Joints beginning to fail.
Raise your rear tire off the ground and more the tire back and forth. If you hear something funny and/or have too much play, you probably have an issue.
Also, while up in the air, take a look at the joints. Often times you will visually see a rusty powdery stuff or (in my case) you might see that you are missing a cap.
U Joints are a safety issue, so look at them soon,
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 45
Likes: 9
From: Queensland
Is it only while driving or can you get the same vibration in the shifter by being in neutral and revving the engine to 3000 rpm?
My shifter used to rattle bad when in neutral and while driving at 3000 rpm. Found the fan on the front of the motor was the problem.
My shifter used to rattle bad when in neutral and while driving at 3000 rpm. Found the fan on the front of the motor was the problem.
