Vibration- 2003 Ram 2500 SLT

[RacingZR]

Hi all,
New to the site and new to the world of Dodge ownership.  I have an issue with a Dodge 2500 SLT Quad with the Hemi and was told this is the site to go to! 
I know- I would have done a search but there could be several reasons for a vibration so I wanted to give you the specific symptons in hopes of some help.

While in 2 wd- on and off there is a vibration from what I believe is a bad u-joint or two in the driveline, probably the rear driveshaft.  You cannot always feel it.  It does NOT do it while under power, it is most profound at "crusing" speed or while decelerating.  It's almost like a hop, fairly violent and shakes the truck pretty good at 60 MPH.  Am I on the right track with the u-joint??  I should also add that the ABS light is on and I have been told it needs a new ABS sensor.  brakes wer ejust replaced and feel great but the light is on.  I don't believe the sensor has anyhting to do with this but I am not an expert on ABS systems.
Thanks for the help, great site.

 

[ChinookFE]

it could be a u-joint....sounds like what mine was doing when I had one go bad.....

Is it doing this?


as for the ABS light, has it been on since the brakes were changed, its possible one of the sensors was damaged when the brakes were replaced...



ohh BTW

[FroneDaddy]

Welcome!

Sounds like it could be your carrier bearing on the driveshaft, mine did the same thing it went out.

[RacingZR]

Thanks guys, keep the suggestions coming.  I need to take a closer look at the u-joint.  If that's not it, I'll definitely have to consider that carrier bearing.  Would that mean a new driveshaft or can you get just the bearing???

As for the ABS- yes the brakes are new and were replaced by the previous owner.  He was told an ABS sensor needs to be replaced.  The Parking Brake light also stays on- which may mean the parking brake isn't right on it.

[FroneDaddy]

They would just replace the carrier bearing. It could also be a driveshaft weight, if you lost one of those then you will need a new driveshaft.

[NickC]

Hey ZR, nice to see you came over and asked!

This is a great group of people here!

I hope you find out what the problem is especially if your going to be plowing with that truck.

Unfortunately i do not know a rod from bolt in the world of mechanics so i am unable to help, but you're in the right place 

[RacingZR]

Thanks, I'll be looking into it this weekend.  Hoping it's one of those non-greasbale u joints that I can repalce with something that is actually greasable.  Not sure who's bright idea that was 

[Buford445]

Welcome to the Forum ZR  It's Not Like alot of the Others Out There

[Kilch123]

Welcome ZR!

To inspect your universal joints, you'll need to set the park brake (make sure it works before getting under the truck) - may want to chock the wheels as well...

With the transmission in neutral (to releive the stress off the drive shaft) check for play in the universal joints (in up and down, side to side, and rotation) - there should be no play.  Look at each end of the universal joints where they go into the caps, and look for signs of lube leaking out, or rust coming out - either one is a sign of a bad joint.

For the carrier bearing - lift up and down on it - it should have no play - there will be slight flexing of the rubber it's mounted in.

On to the brake issues:
The ABS light that's on - you may be able to get it scanned at an autozone or advance auto for free - that will tell you which sensor is bad (if that is the problem)
The other light - is it a parking brake light, or brake warning light (that happens to come on when the park brake is applied-I can't remember on those trucks)?

[RacingZR]

Thanks for the thoroughness bud.  I'll be checking the driveshaft this weekend.

ABS light- My buddy has an OBDII scanner but will that bring up brake issue codes??

The other light- I would have to check the owner's manual to be sure, but it's a red light right in the lower/center of the dash.  Looks like the "parking brake on" light to me.  No issues at all with the brakes.  They are brand new and feel brand new.  I am guessing a sensor got damaged, not sure if that would throw this other light on as well?  I know on my Tundra, I had an emmissions issue and there were were check engine, 4Lo lights, VSC, etc. lights all  flashing for what was really just a "check engine" issue.
I might regret selling my 86 1 ton for this newer rig- too many lights!

[Kilch123]

I'm sending you a PM

[1SlowFormula]

you should still be able to check the codes without the scanner by useing the key trick, turn key to on (not start) 3 times and the codes if any will display on the dash...

[RacingZR]

you should still be able to check the codes without the scanner by useing the key trick, turn key to on (not start) 3 times and the codes if any will display on the dash...

WILL DO, thanks 

[ERT]

The red brake light will always come on with the abs warning lamp.

 

[RacingZR]

I do like this site    That was my guess, will hook up the scanner this weekend. 
Pretty excited about the truck, seems pretty stout.  Front end actually feels real tight. 

Question for you guys about the trannies on these things........I've heard all kinds of horror stories about Dodge trannies but is there really a problem as long as stuff is maintained and used properly??  I'm going to use the truck to plow so I plan on installing an aftermarket tranny temp gauge.  I'll also flush the tranny and put in new fluid.  With the right maintenance and care should I really expect any probelms at 107K miles???  It feels fine, shifts fine.