73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: tkleinia on March 07, 2010, 11:36:59 am
-
New to site...
Is it common to not have ANY balancing weights on a fabricated drive shaft?
I have drivetrain vibrations. I am taking it step by step as I know this can be caused by numerous things.
I have not eliminated all other causes for vibration, but I don't want chase the vibration around to find out the shop forgot to balance it.
Long story short, I have an 86 Chevy K10 long bed that I have had since high school. I was NOT nice to it in those days... it was run hard, with little to no maintenace. I am now going through it, trying to make it a decently reliable truck.
-
Take a hose clamp and put it on the driveshaft with a weight and see if the vibration changes.
-
Check your U joints and pinion angles. Probably wont hurt to take the shaft in and get it balanced. Wont cost much.
-
I had my 2 piece shaft balanced for 80 bucks a 1 piece costs around 50 but it is well worth it. I had a terrible vibration that was almost dangerous, it was so bad the passenger seat vibrated about 4 inches side to side at 55mph. I balanced the shaft and its totally gone.
-
Ill have to try the hose clamp trick...
I just had the drive shaft made before winter, but just drove it now because of the nice weather... I was just checking before I called the shop and accuse them of not balancing my new shaft.
the u-joints are new, and were installed by the same shop, and the pinion angle looks good. It also has new tires, drums, and all new rearend bearings.
-
Did you notice that there were NO weights when you had the shaft made, or not pay attention? Reason Im asking, its a very slim chance, but the weight may have fallen off. Check for weld marks. Just throwing that out there.
-
I noticed it did not have balancing weights when I painted it, but wishful thinking made me think that they might have done a perfect job of welding the ends on that it didn't need any extra weight...
I work at a shop that has had many drive shafts made, and all of them since mine have come back with balancing weights...
Does anyone else have a fabricated shaft with no weights??
I sent the shaft to the same shop that my work uses. (I actually sent it with their name on it to get a discount, so maybe its karma...)
I'm not a tight wad, but I don't want to send a new $325 shaft back for a $50 dollar balance if it is unnecessary.
-
If they just made it I'm sure they'll check their work for free