vibration

[ken270741]

Merry christmas, have a stock 06......in 2wd right around 50 to 55 mph with any pressure on the gas I get a low rumble and slight vibration. Let off the gas it goes away, also clicking out of overdrive to 3rd doesn't seem to have any effect on it.....any ides?
thanks ken

 

[TwoBobsKJ]

Merry Christmas to you as well!

I'd wager your issue is one or both sides need the CV joint/intermediate shaft replacement. Lots of threads here discussing what the sounds and sensations are that are symptoms of worn CV's but yours is a classic description. Check the How-To section for a write-up on how to change them out. Not a difficult job though you'll want to have the right tools to do it.

NAPA remanufactured CV's are your best bet. Hope this helps!

Bob

 

[ken270741]

Hi bob, thanks for the response. Cv boots look fine and there is no play in the shafts when I yank on everything......plus I am only at 48k miles, would think they should last longer. Are the cv's under any load when in 2wd? I assume the xfer case doesn't send any torque fwd in 2wd? Thanks ken

 

[tommudd]

CVs turn all of the time so always in motion. Most last longer but not always the case plus some do not have any play since the CV/Intermediate shaft rust together and become one almost
Also check the rear boot on the front driveshaft, if bad you can get some vibes from it as well, easy fix for less than 100 bucks
Hows the rear U Joints mine went at 55000 miles were rusted solid as well, they had no play when you felt them but were hotter than Heck when driven a few miles

Just some things to check

 

[ken270741]

The boot on the front driveshaft also is in good shape.....I have checked that as I see on here it is a known issue.....
It is something that rumbles only under a load that is why I wasn't leaning towards the front end stuff because its in 2wd. I know on these things everything still spins up unlike the old school cj's and the like. It is way more prevalent when cold also.....after some highway time it quiets down. Maybe the rear universals? Are they like the old ones to replace? Cheap and easy or are they something different on the kj? I am thinking to replace them first and see what happens if they are easy and cheap to do.....
thanks ken

 

[yellocoyote]

When is the last time your rear differential was serviced?

 

[rockymountain]

I have this vibe too. I do believe ALL KJs do it to some extent. It just matters how alert the driver is and how much he/she cares. I've had 2; an 03 and my 04 and both did it. the 03 started the KJ vibe at 32K and my current 04 started at about 40K.

I also just changed my right cv and intermediate shaft. Didn't have the vibe after that, but now I have it again after a month from installing new greasable u-joints. I'm thinking non-greasable is the way to go on this rig. Greasing the front is a pain unless you have a skinny grease gun. and maybe the grease fitting is causing some balance issues. Don't know.