Analysis of Vibration
Analysis of VibrationFew vibration conditions are caused by the rear axle. On a vibration concern, follow the diagnosis procedure in Noise, Vibration and Harshness unless there is a good reason to suspect the axle.
Tires
WARNING: Do not balance the wheels and tires while they are mounted on the vehicle. Possible tire disintegration/differential halfshaft failure could result, causing personal injuryextensive component damage. Use an off-vehicle wheel and tire balances only.
Most vibration in the rear end is caused by tires.
Vibration is a concern with modern, high-mileage tires if they are not "true" both radially and laterally. They are more susceptible to vibration around the limits of radial and lateral runout of the tire and wheel assembly. They also require more accurate balancing. Wheel and tire runout checks, truing and balancing are normally done before axle inspection.
Wheel Hub Flange Bolt Circle Runout
NOTE: The brake discs must be removed to carry out all runout measurements.
1. Position the special tool perpendicular to the wheel hub bolt, as close to the hub face as possible. Zero the indicator to allow the pointer to deflect either way.
2. Rotate the hub until the next bolt is contacted. Record the measurement and continue until each bolt is checked. The difference between the maximum and minimum contact readings will be the total wheel hub bolt pattern runout. The runout must not exceed 0.38 mm (0.015 inch).
Pilot Runout
1. Position the special tools as close to the hub face as possible. Zero the indicator to allow the pointer to deflect either way.
2. Rotate the hub one full turn and note the maximum and minimum readings. The difference between the maximum and minimum readings will be the total pilot runout. Pilot runout must not exceed 0.15 mm (0.006 inch).
Wheel Hub Face Runout
1. Position the special tool on the wheel hub face, as close to the outer edge as possible. Zero the indicator to allow the pointer to deflect either way.
2. Rotate the hub one full turn and note the maximum and minimum readings. The difference between the maximum and minimum readings will be the total face runout. The runout must not exceed 0.254 mm (0.010 inch).
Wheel Hub, Steering Knuckle Inspection
1. Remove the wheel and tire.
2. Position the special tool. Push and pull the wheel hub by hand and measure the wheel bearing play.
3. If the wheel bearing play exceeds specification, install a new lock nut.
4. Reset the wheel bearing play and install a new wheel hub if necessary.
Halfshafts, Rear Wheel
NOTE: Install new CV joints only if disassembly and inspection reveals unusual wear.
NOTE: While inspecting the boots, watch for indentations ("dimples") in the boot convolutions. Indentations must be removed.
^ Inspect the boots for evidence of cracks, tears, or splits.
^ Inspect the underbody for any indication of grease splatter near the boots outboard and inboard locations. This is an indication of boot/clamp damage.