Driveshaft carrier bearing

I have a vibration issue. The wheels and tires are fine. Alignment is fine. I got under the truck and pushed up on the driveshaft carrier bearing. There was play in it. I could move it about 1/2 inch up and down. Is that too much play?

 

It's not meant to be rigid. 1/2" sounds normal..

 

What kind of vibration? Describe when you feel it, at what speeds, etc.

 

It starts right at 55-60MPH. The whole truck shakes. I feel it more in the truck than the steering wheel.

 

I took the 2 bolts that hold the carrier bearing in place. Still attached to the driveshaft, I was able to move the carrier bearing side to side again about 1/2".

 

I know this is diferrent, but my company van was doing that and it ended up being a tie rod end.

 

The carrier bearing is mounted in rubber and a half inch movement up and down and also side to side is normal. You say the tires are ok, have you had them spin balanced? Your description sounds more like a tire balance issue than something that is drive train related. I had a similar problem a while back and it turned out to be a buildup of mud on the inside of one wheel.

 

I thought of the same thing regarding mud buildup. It's happened to me.

 

The rear u joint on the drive shaft can cause vibration if it's shot. Usually the rear goes first but check the u joints on both ends of the driveshaft while your under there for more play than usual

 

All the U joints are nice an tight. Thanks for all the help everyone. I'm going to get back under there and check out what y'all have mentioned.