1998 Chevy S-10 rear end vibration

1998 CHEVROLET S-10
125,878 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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1998 BUCKEY DIME
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I have a 1998 chevy s10 extended cab and i recently lowered my truck 3 inches. When i lowered the truck it drove fine and one day i noticed a vibration from the rear end, so i replaced the u-joints and rebalanced the driveshaft and i still have a vibration. The pinion angle is all correct. I noticed that my differential cover was leaking a little bit, so i changed the fluid and not much came out. Could the bearings in the rear end be going out? What bearings should i replace? Thanks
Sep 11, 2009 at 4:27 PM
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PEAR69
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If you had no or very little rear lube in the differential then you should replace the carrier and pinion bearings. Also inspect the ring and pinion gears for wear.
Sep 11, 2009 at 6:20 PM
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1998 BUCKEY DIME
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Thanks for the advice but i forgot to mention that i didnt have a vibration until i sent my drive shaft to a drive line shop to have u-joints put in. Could they have put a u-joint in wrong? Thanks
Sep 13, 2009 at 11:56 AM
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PEAR69
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If the driveline shop also ballanced the shaft, I doubt that they installed the u-joints wrong. Further more, it is practicaly impossible for anyone, with even the smallest mechanical knowledge, to install u-joints improperly..But, ya never know. Take the drive shaft out and "wiggle" the u-joints around. If they are free and sort of loose then they are fine--as long as they are new. If they are tight, then give the y-tang (where the joint is pressed into the shaft) a few swift taps with a hammer. This sets the cap roller bearings -- and if you need to do this -- then the u-joints were installed wrong...
The vibration may go away with just filling up the differential with fluid, but it is only a matter of time before any damage from no lube is apparent.
Sep 14, 2009 at 12:32 AM