Needle bearing

Can anyone enlighten me on why the needle bearing vibrations don’t become an issue until having the truck lifted? (At least that what I’ve read) I just got my truck back from the shop with a lift and it’s making a consistent on and off vibrating/rumbling noise when at low speeds but not at highway speed. Should I take it back to the lift shop while I still can or just have the bearing looked at?

 

does it do it in 4wd? thats the tell...

 

The reason it happens is basically the angle of the CV after lift. The needle bearing has a bit larger ID and less over all support where the axle rides.

That’s why it is important not to go passed flush when installing the bushing.
Other wise, you will end up against the spider gear.

My truck is is not lifted.
I chased a vibration and finally broke down and replace the bearing with the bushing. Problem solved. I don’t know why mine failed. But like they say, “things happen”.

 

This.


Mine is lifted - it made a vibration/noise only when stupid cold [I live in the South for a full disclaimer on 'cold'] and only between 30-40mph and only for the first few miles of driving, but it drove me crazy trying to sort it out..

Once I learned about the 4WD diagnostic and engaged 4WD = noise gone
So I took it up to ECGS and had them replace the needle bearing, problem solved.

I have the old one and you can feel a bit of play in it.

 

I noticed the rollers in the needle bearing actually have very little contact with the CV axel itself where as the ECGS bushing bearing has 100% contact.