Video - Play in my drive shaft..is this normal?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJZgEDTt7L4


When I put the truck in gear and reverse then put it in drive, then reverse again, the drive shaft turns a little. Is this normal? I am trying to diagnose a start from 1-10mph issue where it feels like I am riding over shallow grooved "rumble strips". Kind of like a vibration, but it depends on how fast I am going. Disappears (or I cant feel it)at about 10mph.

Thanks

 

i have a 09 dc 4x4 sport,feels the same way as you discribe.

 

I have 91,000 miles on my 05 and This just started a few months ago. Bought new tires and still have the same problem. I dont care about it as long as it doesnt prelude something major that I am ignoring and can fix now.

 

The driveline will have some play in it (as you see in the video).
The driveshaft & pinion will pivot as you apply the gas/torque and will also pivot as your suspension moves up/down. Also, the carrier bearing (center) will also move. The driveline is not supposed to be rigid or else things would break easily. That's a cool video ....but everything looks normal to me.

I have an 07 and I also have the same rumble from time to time normallyl just as I start off under 5-10mph and usually after a sharp turn out of my driveway. I'm thinking it might be the mechanical LSD...but I really don't know.

Does yours do it all the time? If you're still under warrantee, have you taken it to the dealer? Are you a new owner? Did this just start happening? When was the last time you did any diff service (oil changes)? Lubricated your u-joints & driveline?

 

Lubricating the 5 zerks on your U joints makes a WORLD of difference!! Quited down my '06 after I bought it with 40k miles.

 

2WD or 4x4?

 

4X4, but the rear driveline is what makes the difference.

 

Just to update this thread for my solution...I had a bad u joint near the transmission(needles were a rusty dust pile). Replaced all three since the shaft was off and the bumpyness is completely gone.

 

Glad to hear. This is what happens when the u joints are not properly greased!! Let this be a lesson to us all!! If the roller bearings were rusted, then they had no lubrication.

I am assuming, of course, the bruce1271 did not have a prerunner...

 

Actually, I have a pre-runner and a sealed U Joint. So, no way to lube those.
I am dumbfounded that the joint failed with 90k miles of highway/city driving. Oh well. I have bruised knees and a sore lower back, but have gained knowledge in the process.

I am going to get my transmission fluid changed tomorrow at the stealership. $155 for a flush. I asked about dropping the pan, but the service advisor says they flush 16Quarts of fluid through the system and that blows the filter clean. Not sure what to think about that.

 

Experience comes with pain. Brused knees will heal, with the needed callousing!!

I can't understand why pre-runners do not have zerks IF they fail due to rust. The seal must have leaked or something. Glad your problem is solved with so much frustration. Good luck with your tranny flush.