Analysis of Vibration

WARNING: A vehicle equipped with a Traction-Lok(R) differential will always have both wheels driving. If only one wheel is raised off the floor and the rear axle is driven by the engine, the wheel on the floor could drive the vehicle off the stand or jack. Be sure both rear wheels are off the floor.

Few vibration conditions are caused by the front or rear axle.

Tires

WARNING: Do not balance the wheels and tires while they are mounted on the vehicle. Possible tire disintegration/differential failure could result, causing personal injury/extensive component damage. Use an off-vehicle wheel and tire balancer only.

Most vibration in the rear end is caused by tires or driveline angle.

Vibration is a concern with modem, high-mileage tires if they are not "true" both radially and laterally. They are more susceptible to vibration around the limits of radial and lateral runout of the tire and wheel assembly. They also require more accurate balancing. Wheel and tire runout checks, truing and balancing are normally done before axle inspection.

Driveshaft
1. Road test the vehicle to determine the critical vibration points. Note the road speed, the engine RPM, and the shift lever positions at which the vibration occurs.
2. Stop the vehicle, place the transmission lever in neutral and run the engine through the critical speed ranges determined in Step 1.
3. If no vibration is felt, balance the driveshaft.