Shawn Stanford

I have a 2005 V6 auto with 110k on the clock. I'm getting an intermittent loud 'thud' at low speeds, briefly followed by a deep throbbing. It clears up as I accelerate, no problems at higher speeds/RPMs. Started a few days ago, seems to be getting louder and more frequent.

I'm thinking cardan shaft.

mudman2

no doubt

Shawn Stanford

Okay, I reviewed a couple of the cardan shaft threads and then crawled under the truck. I can see the bearing assembly and it looks like it's in good shape externally. Should I see any external wear, or is it all inside?

DWPC

Its a known common issue. If you try squeeze every mile out of it, it will likely fail completely at the most inconvenient time and place possible.

ArneeA

Great experience with this company. http://www.coloradodriveshaft.com/

Shawn Stanford

Oh, yeah: I've been expecting it since I bought the truck. I just want to make sure my diagnosis is correct before I buy parts. As I said, externally, that assembly looks fine.

ltc

I'm more interested in what your second guess was

Shawn Stanford

Not as good as a guess...

I started searching this morning - can't remember the terms - and I found a thread that described a transmission problem with a thud and vibration. I dismissed it because I was pretty happy with the cardan shaft diagnosis, but after looking pictures and reading descriptions of the disintegrated rubber around the carrier bearing, I was suprised to see that mine looked to be in good shape.

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find the transmission problem thread again. So, I thought I'd ask.

endless_corners

its funny because mine would get more unhinged the more i accelerated. Would start out mellow at low speeds and then turn into a crazy vibration and thumping as i got on the gas.

XR4Tim

Did you try grabbing the driveshaft and moving it up and down while you look at the rubber in the bearing?

Shawn Stanford

Yeah, okay, that was telling. As I move the shaft, I can see cracks in the rubber and when I pull down I can see a gap along the top.

Can I just squirt some 3-in-1 in there and spray the rubber with Armor-All?

DWPC

Don't forget the duct tape!

XR4Tim

A couple of bungee cords should keep it in place.

endless_corners

What would Tim know? All about that super glue.

Shawn Stanford

I talked to my brother and he's up for just replacing the bearing support. That will be an Independence Day weekend project.

Further updates as events warrant...