
Diagnosis of Propeller Shaft and Universal Joint
Condition Possible cause Correction
Rough surface on splined yoke;
burred nicked or worn. Replace the seal. Minor burrs can
be Smoothed by careful use of
crocus cloth or fine stone honing.
Replace the yoke if badly burred.
Leak at the Front Slip Yoke (An
Occasional Drop of Lubricant
Leaking from the Splined Yoke is
Normal) Defective transmission rear oil seal. Replace the transmission rear oil
seal and replenish the transmission
oil.
Worn universal joint bearings. Replace.
Improper lubrication. Lubricate as directed.
Universal Joint Noise.
Loose flange bolts. Tighten to specifications.
Loose bushing bolts on the rear
springs or upper and lower control
arms.
Tighten the bolts to specified
torque.
Ping, Snap, or Click in Drive Line
(Usually Heard on Initial Load after
the Transmission is in Forward or
Reverse Gear) Loose or out-of-phase end yoke. Remove end yoke, turn 180
degrees from its original position,
lubricate the splines and reinstall.
Tighten the bolts and pinion nut to
specified torque.
Squeak Lack of lubricant. Lubricate joints and splines. Also
check for worn or brinelled parts.
Loose or missing bolts at the
flanges. Replace or tighten bolts to specified
torque.
Incorrectly set front joint angle. Install shim under the transmission
support mount to change the front
joint angle.
Shudder on Acceleration (Low
Speed)
Worn universal joint. Replace.
Incorrect shaft runout. Replace.
Shaft out of balance. Adjust.
Transmission rear housing bushing,
transfer case housing bushing worn. Replace.
Vibration
Yoke spline jammed. Replace.