Diagnosis And Testing - Propeller Shaft: Balance

Fig 1: Screw Clamp & Propeller Shaft

Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

If propeller shaft is suspected of being out of balance, use the following procedure.

1. Raise and support vehicle.
2. Clean all foreign material from the propeller shaft.
3. Inspect propeller shaft for missing balance weights, broken welds and bent areas. If propeller shaft is bent, it must be replaced. 
4. Inspect universal joints/CV joints for wear.
5. Check propeller shaft bolt torques.
6. Remove wheels and install lug nuts to retain brake rotors.
7. Mark and number the shaft six inches from the pinion flange end at four positions 90 degrees apart.
8. Run and accelerate vehicle until vibration occurs. Note at what speed the vibration occurred. Stop the engine.
9. Install a screw clamp at position (1).
   Fig 2: Separating Clamps

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
10. Start engine and check vibration. If there is little or no change move the clamp to the next positions and repeat vibration test.
    NOTE:

    If there is no difference in vibration at this positions, the vibration may not be the propeller shaft.

11. If vibration decreased, install a second clamp (1) and repeat the test.
    Fig 3: Stagger Clamps

    Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
12. If additional clamp causes an additional vibration, separate the clamps 1/2 inch (1) above and below the mark. Repeat the vibration test.
13. Increase distance between the clamp screws (1) (2) and repeat test, until the least amount of vibration is noticed. Bend the slack end of the clamps so screws will not loosen.
14. If vibration remains unacceptable, repeat the procedure to the front end of the propeller shaft.