Driveline timing.

[bfug]

I just had a new carrier bearing put in my 1998 C2500 extended cab. However it seems that the timing or alignment maybe a little off. I get a slight vibration at all speeds now. I thought maybe I had an alignment or wheel balance problem so I checked that out and all is well..

How do I check the driveline timing or confirm proper alignment. I would really rather not take it back to have the shop fix it. I would have changed the carrier bearing myself but I don't have a press and needed one for the job.

Originally the Vibration was really bad so I took it back and they got it down a little. However it still just isn't right.

Thanks
Bob

[Austin8214]

Take it back agian and make them fix it right this time.

[J-Ri]

Do take it back to them first, but they could have knocked a weight off. Most places that don't get it right the second time wont get it right ever. The cheapest and easiest way to fix that is as follows:

1) Get two big screw-type hose clamps, big enough to go around the driveshaft when connected together, and have a bit left over.
2) Jack up the rear of the truck and SUPPORT THE AXLE WITH JACK STANDS!!!
3) Have a helper put the truck in gear and hold the speed around 60 MPH.
4) Laying under the truck (it should be on jack stands by now), hold a piece of chalk up to the driveshaft until it begins to mark one spot on the driveshaft. The marked spot is the heaviest spot on the driveshaft. Now stop the wheels using the brakes and shift into park.
5) Connect the hose clamps end-to-end around the driveshaft where the missing weight is/was. Put the screw parts 90 degrees from the center of tha mark and tighten the clamps down.
6) Put it in gear again and do the same thing with the chalk, using a slightly different spot each time so as not to overlap/confuse the marks.
7) Move both screws (weights) closer to the mark.
8) Keep repeating step 7 until the balance is very close.
9) Once the balance is close, cut most of the slotted metal off the clamps.
10) Perfect the balance (will have changed slightly from cutting off the metal), and cut the remainder of the metal off.

This should work as long as the driveshaft is fairly close to being balanced as it is. Be careful around the moving driveshaft and the clamps. PUT THE TRUCK ON JACK STANDS. Having it fall on you would suck, but having it run over you would be much worse. Jack stands. Use them.

[acewelderman]

Man!!! your going to kill yourself !!!!Take the darned thing off & take it to a driveshaft balancer type guy.A spinning hose clamp & a hand are NOT competition.

[bfug]

J-Ri

I like the way you think. No worries, I have jack stands at the ready. I will Give that a shot and let you know shortly. I figure that is on my list of things to do on Sat.

I will keep you informed.

Acewelderman I understand and respect your concerns. However the condition he is discribing is how I found the carrier bearing problem in the beginning.


Thanks to all and I will let you know what I found out.

Bob

[J-Ri]

Acewelderman is right, keep your hands away from the clamps. Also, tighten them down TIGHT any time they will be spinning. Don't wan't 'em walking (or running) up the driveshaft and suprising you.