GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 1999 🢒 Astro - 4WD 🢒 Driveline/Axle 🢒 Propeller Shaft 🢒 Roughness or Vibration

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Action

DEFINITION: The roughness or vibration occurs while driving the vehicle at various speeds.

A bent or dented propeller shaft

Replace the propeller shaft. Refer to:

Undercoating is on the propeller shaft.

Clean the propeller shaft.

The tires are unbalanced at 48-80 km/h (30-50 mph).

Balance or replace the tires. Refer to Tire and Wheel Balancing in Vibration Diagnosis and Correction.

The universal joints are tight.

Tap the yokes with a hammer in order to free up the U-joints. If you are unable to free up the U-joints, or if the joint feels rough, replace the joint. Refer to:

The universal joints are worn.

Replace the worn universal joints. Refer to:

Burrs or gouges are on the pinion flange.
    • Inspect the snap ring locating surfaces on the flange yoke.
    • Rework or replace the pinion flange. Refer to:
       -  Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke and/or Oil Seal Replacement in Rear Drive Axle.

The propeller shaft or the pinion flange is unbalanced.
    • Check for a missing balance weight on the propeller shaft.
    • Rotate the propeller shaft in the companion flange 180 degrees. Refer to Diagnosing First-Order Driveline Vibration in Vibration Diagnosis and Correction.

Incorrect rear joint angle usually as result of the angle being too large
    • Inspect and correct the trim height at curb weight.
    • Inspect and correct the joint angle. degrees. Refer to Diagnosing Second-Order Driveline Vibration in Vibration Diagnosis and Correction.

Excessive looseness at the slip spline

Replace the necessary parts.

Distorted or damaged yokes or flanges

Install new yokes or flanges. Refer to:

The propeller shaft runout is excessive at 80 km/h (50 mph).
  1. Check the propeller shaft runout. Refer to Diagnosing First-Order Driveline Vibration in Vibration Diagnosis and Correction.
  2. Replace the propeller shaft if the runout is still over specification. Refer to Front Propeller Shaft Replacement or Rear Propeller Shaft Replacement .