Vibrations at 55-65mph

[sly]

12mm 12 point if memory serves.

+1 this is correct. Impactable with an impact u-joint. Works like a charm.

[Bigbullitt]

Thanks. It sucks getting stumped so early into a project on such a menial item.

[L1011tristar17]

I read somewhere that another symptom of bad U-joints is clunking sounds. My car still vibrates (a little bit) but makes absolutely no funny sounds from the driveline. Could the u-joints still be bad in this case?

[gadget73]

sometimes they clunk if you shift from park to reverse if they are sloppy, but sometimes not. Best way to check them is to drop the driveshaft and roll them through their range of motion. The joints should move smoothly. If they bind, they're done.

[sly]

when I replaced the ujoints on my 88 they were so done the needle bearings were gone on 6 of the 8 caps... only one cap on each ujoint had good bearings left.

[L1011tristar17]

At least I can rule out the u-joints now. I checked them for a third time, this time with both wheels completely off the ground and the car in neutral. Absolutely no play in either joint.

Is it normal for the rear wheels to have a little bit of play when you pull on them straight out? I pulled on the drum itself too, and it seems like the whole axle shifts in and out by about 1/4 of an inch.

[L1011tristar17]

EDIT: I checked the front u-joint again and it had a little bit of play. With the tires and rims all balanced and in good shape, that's the only obvious issue that could be causing the vibrations. It still looks safe, but I want to replace them both as soon as possible.

[Bigbullitt]

I changed mine, but haven't driven it yet. Mine never made a noise, it was just the way the car "felt." They were rusty and dry looking. I'll post up if I notice a difference when I drive it.

Do these cars normally have an aluminum driveshaft? It sure made it easier having one.

[GM_Guy]

Yes its normal to be able to pull the wheel in and out a bit.

Another thing to consider, is that you may have (non visible) damage to a tire. If you have the same size tires, put the fronts on the back and the backs on the front.

Alex.

[porschpow]

I have the exact same problem

mine is when accelerating or not, but a little worse when giving it gas. Vibration felt more like it was coming up from directly underneath the car. I know what tire vibration feels like, and this isn't it. My new u joints are only guaranteed for 50,000 miles and the car has 150,000, and i don't think they've been replaced ever.

I decided to remove the drive shaft this evening, but got stumped by the bolts. I had nothing that would fit. I'll go to the parts store tomorrow. What size is it, anyway? I'd rather learn it from someone here.

[porschpow]

OP, still have the issue???