Phil Patterson writes: Could you have too much grease in the joint? I remember
seeing rebuild kits for these that came with packets of grease. And it was just
a
small packet, enough to pack the joints , plus a little extra. Packing it full
may be able to throw it off balance,especially if it shifts to one side. Don't
put any more grease in it, just put the clamp back on and drive it. If the
vibration is still gone, you got it. If not, find a good driveshaft shop, and
have the driveshaft spun to see if it needs balanced and have it checked for
straightness. A driveshaft doesn't have to be very bad out of balance to cause a
vibration problem.
Tom Wright wrote:
> Hi,
> I've been having some strange experiences with my 57 Dodge. Let me try and
> give you the "short" story:
> I had some rather annoying vibrations coming from my drivetrain between 65
> and 75 MPH, which, of course, is the prime cruising speed.
> In order to eliminate some of the variables, I replaced my U-joints. I made
> sure to pack as much grease as possible in the front "ball and trunion"
> joint. When I took my car on a road test, the vibration had become much
> worse and steadily increased in amplitude from 55 untiul 75mph when something
> went POP! and the vibration went away.
> I checked under the car to see what had happened and noticed the rubber boot
> had popped off and all the grease flew out. However, my car ran smoother
> than it ever had.
> I went home, packed as much grease as I could from the back-side of the joint
> (not much) and put the gaiter back on. Now the vibration was back. This
> time there was another POP at 80mph everything smoothed out again. I looked
> under the car and this time the rubber boot had split open and thrown out all
> the grease. This is the way I have left it for the past few days and my car
> is as smooth as ever.
> What I don't understand is how 3 or 4 ounces of grease can cause my car to
> shake so hard that my vision gets blurry.
> Also, how much grease are you supposed to put in there, anyway? Right now I
> have only as much as wasn't thrown out by centrifical (centrifugal?) force.
> (Until I put a new boot on, that is.)
> Does anyone think something else is going on here that I just can't see?
> Thanks for any insight,
> Tom
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