Bearing Shimming

Bearing Shimming

Drive-away shudder is the predominant symptom associated with driveline angle concerns on vehicles with 2-piece driveshafts. This may be due to changes in driveline angle when the vehicle is either loaded or unloaded. Drive-away shudder can usually be corrected by shimming down the driveshaft center bearing bracket. When shimming the center carrier bracket, a maximum of three 1/4-in shims (4A209) may be used. When refastening the carrier bracket, use bolt 56564-S2. A 7/16 x 14 grade 5 bolt may be substituted, providing that it extends at least 3 threads past the nut. Use threadlock on the bolt threads and tighten bolts to 62 Nm (46 lb-ft). For information about the center bearing and support bracket, refer to Drive/Propeller Shafts, Bearings and Joints.

NOTE: If the vehicle is normally loaded, road tests will need to be carried out with the vehicle loaded and unloaded.

1. Before beginning the repair, road test the vehicle to gain a feel for the harshness of the shudder/vibration.

2. Install one shim, but do not use threadlock on the bolts at this point, and road test the vehicle again.

- If the condition is corrected, apply threadlock and tighten the bolts as directed above.

- If the condition is not corrected, repeat Step 2 (to a maximum of 3 shims) and re-evaluate vehicle.

If the concern is still present after shimming, refer to Driveline Angle Measurement.