Hey everybody...new poster here and I have a serious question. I have 2001 Dodge Ram, 1500, 5.9, 4WD -Quad cab. I am the original owner and have about 102K on the truck. Anyways, I am hearing / feeling serious vibrations coming from my rear end. Actually the noise doesn't start until I have been driving it for awhile and the rear end heats up. The noise / chatter is the worst when I take off from a dead stop or when I put the truck in reverse and start to back up. I have chaged the rear end fluid routinely since I have owned the truck...so I know that it is not a fluid level problem. I know that I am going to have to fix this shortly, but I am looking for any advice, tips or suggestions for this problem.. Thanks in advance.

 

well, dont blame the rearend right away, this could be a problem with your driveshaft, check it and make sure all the u joints are in good working condition. If it is in the rear, and there isnt any noticable wear on the parts (you would know, because you check it) then you probobly wont be able to find the problem without removing parts, although bearings could be a problem, but thats just a stab in the dark.

 

sounds like a u-joint to me

 

I replaced the u joint about a year ago...I really think it's in the rear end. I have to find someone I can trust to look at it. I know the basics, but replacing the rear end or bearings may be out of my leauge.

 

You replaced "the" ujoint or both ?

 

My front-axle U-joint went out on me in less than 8 mos. I just replaced it last
weekend.(Lesson learned for me) You gotta get GOOD U-joints with greasable zerk fittings. Check the driveshaft U-joints first.
I would believe it's one of those for vibration 1st.
If it's a Pinon-bearing; it will won't cause a vibration unless it's totally gone.
It will just make noise.

 

Not to get off topic or hijack, but "zerk" fittings? I always thought it was pronounced "zert"?

 

The patent for the zerk fitting was granted to Oscar Zerk in January 1929.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grease_fitting

 

It does sound like a Ujoint to me as well...I also have a 2001 5.9 4x4 and i have had that problem before....i switched over and use Spicer U-joints. They have grease fittings and are very strong. Have not replaced one since i put them in 3 years ago just keep greaseing.

 

I'll check the u joints again. I have heard through the grapevine though that Dodge had problems with their bearings going bad in the rear end. BTW, all that crap all over my truck is a swarm of "Love Bugs" that I dorve through going from Orlando to Ft. Myers...those things are pain in the ***!!