can a bad shock cause vibration ?

2014 double cab 4x4 with 31/2" toytec lift, 15,ooo miles only!

So I brought the vehicle in to have a rear U-joint replaced because it was squeaking and it was covered under warranty. After I pick it up and drive it on the highway I now have a high frequency vibration that increases with speed. I immediately think it is related to the U-joint change since there was no vibration before and bring it back to have this looked at. When I pick it up they tell me the Bilstien shock is blown ( and it is) and that is causing the vibration . My argument is, I never had a vibration before and the shock by the looks of the dirt has been degrading for a long time but it certainly did not blow up the day of the u-joint change. Anyway, I did not think a shock would be related to any vibration issues anyway and besides there was ZERO vibration until the u-joint was replaced. They expect me to pay and will not revisit the u-joint until the shock is replaced first. Obviously I have to replace the shock anyway only because it looks bad, I do not even notice a ride difference.

SO, what is the verdict, can a shock even cause a vibration??

 

Sounds more like they might have the U-joints out of phase (if they took the driveshaft apart when they fixed the rear u-joint)....sounds more like a DS issue than a blown shock...then again, if the truck is under warranty, shouldn't the shock be under warranty? If not, if you actually have a blown shock, replace the shocks as they need it anyway...if the issue is still there then they have to address it.

 

I don't think so. Replace the shocks, take it back, and break it off in their a$$.

 

I have never heard of a broken shock causing "high frequency vibration that increases with speed". Ask the service guy to explain how that would work.

 

No way the shock is causing the vibration. 15k you should still be covered under some sort of warranty?

By chance did you also have the tires rotated while it was in and being serviced?

If not I would say it is directly related to the u-joint service. Might be the cause of the premature u-joint failure to begin with.

I'm betting they feel you have done some serious off roading and blew out the shock, thereby trying to get you to foot the bill for replacment so they can diagnose the vibration further.

I'm a smart ass, so I'd call them up and tell them since having the u-joint replaced I've noticed the rear of the truck has a bit of soft feel to it over bumps.

When they tell you a u-joint would have no effect on the shocks, repeat it back to them in reverse order.

 

I have developed a low frequency vibration as well. I really feel it at speeds 60+ MPH. Around 80 MPH the steering wheel shimmy is very noticeable. It feels just like stomping the brakes on warped rotors except I feel this vibration on acceleration and deceleration. I figured one of the rims was bent so I rotated them. Vibration was still there so I rotated again just to make sure. While I was doing this, I noticed the left front shock had a good amount of road gunk stunk onto it. So i lifted up the sleeve and sure enough, there was more gunk surrounding the shock body and rod. I checked the right side and the shock was bone dry underneath the sleeve. I think the dealer might be right. At least your shock is covered under warranty. I have over 60K on my 13'. I don't do major off roading, but I do travel to lots of construction sites where I encounter rough terrain.

 

The shock is aftermarket Toytec 3 1/2" so the warranty is from Toytec not Toyota. I could see a shock blow on the front with IFS possibly being a problem, not on the rear with solid axle .

Exactly what I thought too out of phase but have to replace the shock first or they won't talk to me at all.