Boeing 717

Hi guys just noticed this today, was on freeway above 73 mph i notice a droning noise and high frequency vibration in the steering wheel, also seems to do it under acceleration. Just put 4 brand new Yoko parada spec x tires on. Im not sure if its tires or in the tranny........... when i put it in neutral and coast at the same speed i still feel it. I have 44000 miles.................... Cardan Shaft???

Andy E.

Too much of a coincidence that it would be something other than the tires. Usually, a bad wheel balancing job shows up at speeds of about 68 - 75 mph (110-120 km/h).

Have you checked the specs on the Yokos? My experience with Japanese tires is that they're are inherently noisy.

Boeing 717

No..... the spec x's are known to be the quietest tires out there..........i have put a few hundred miles on them and have not noticed any noise until today, the thing is is that the vibraton seems to high to be tire related, if you know what a bad wheel bearing sounds like it is almost the same sound... a low octave rumble/hum. Took it on another road where the surface was really smooth and sure enough at 74-75 mph the vibration and droning came back. Im not saying its not the tires but im leaning towards not tire related at this time.

ltc

Find a section of road where you can do 75mph in both 6th and say 4th...in order to get a significant difference in engine rpm and see what happens.

Also check to make sure you haven't lost a wheel weight or two.

A small sample of trans/diff fluid can be checked for metal particles.
Also an easy test to have the wheels/tires road force balanced again.

mudman2

describe the droning more

Boeing 717

I did try that...... i shifted down a couple of times and the vibration was still there...... i cant remember if the vibration or noise changed pitch, i dont think it did.
Is there a way i can check at home if its the cardan shaft or not??? Would it be loose or what??

User 4221

Do you think the quieter tires lowered the noise floor and surfaced this issue?

My transfer case has always had a slight whine to it from new. After 50k miles the noise has not gotten better or worse. It is more pronounced on-throttle and under torque.

Boeing 717

Well i did notice more wind noise from the pano sunroof than with the old tires....but no, as i said, i have probably 600 miles on these tires and have not felt the noise or vibration until yesterday.

s4for5

My drive shaft center bearing noise sounded like a screeching fan or fuel pump motor.
Came and went at different speeds and shifting gears was inconclusive.
Yours does sound like a tire balance issue.
Find someplace that has a road force balance machine, it's the only way to be sure about the wheels in my opinion.
Good luck

ltc

How adventurous do you want to be?

You can get under the P!g and see if there is play in the cardan shaft center bearing or flex ends.

Andy E.

Here's a simple task. This weekend, use your jack and swap the front tires for the backs. Torque to 118 ft/lbs and road test the truck. If the vibration is gone, you know that the tires/rims are at fault.

Boeing 717

Do i just try and rotate it...........if it moves how much play is normal???

ltc

If it is bad, there will be lateral play...up down or left right.

Boeing 717

Ok.....thanks, will check it out.

bigbuzuki

Ltc is on the money.
When my cardan shaft was failing, I could easily move the shaft about 3/4 inch laterally with one hand at the centre bearing housing in an up down and left right direction.