99 Suburban vibration and clunking

[Roadhouse]

So a few weeks ago my wifes 99 Suburban 1500 4x4 started getting a bad vibration. It goes away at 75mph but it pretty bad from 30mph until then.

It has developed a drivetrain clunk after the vibration started. When shifting into reverse it clunks bad, also when shifting into drive from reverse it's bad. But doesn't do it if you just shift into drive from park.

I know these descriptions are vauge, but anyone have similar experience with a Chevy doing this? I'm taking it into a shop this week to see what the deal it,but was curious on some ideas before I take it in.

Truck is 1/2ton 5.7L Vortec, 4l60e, and Auto-trac push button tcase Nvg246?

[Yetti]

U joints most likely.

[Nvrenuf]

Hi Mike
On the chevy trucks I've had. The clunk is usually the slip yoke from the rear drive shaft. Pull the shaft and clean and grease the splines. All will be good and it's easy to do.
Steve

[CHVYPWR]

I had a '91 burb that had a vibe kick in around 45mph. Ended up being the lock-up in the torque converter. New converter, no more vibe. But with a cluck, most likly U-joints.

[biohazardbill]

My 99 Burban does the same thing, I thought it might be the tires....

[Roadhouse]

Thanks guys.....u-joints is what I was thinking, but seems wierd it doesn't happend going from Park to Drive....but park to reverse, and reverse to drive.

[Roadhouse]

Originally Posted by biohazardbill

My 99 Burban does the same thing, I thought it might be the tires....

I am going to put new tires on it tomorrow as I know at least one of my tires lost a weight...and its time for new ones anyway.

[KILLER"B"468]

Kim's blazer did tha as well and the ujoint was worn inside so bad, it had a 1/8" when centered between the tabs in the yoke. It would slide side to side when going from park to reverse. Then getting cocked to the one side and vibrate. Cheap GM joints, I put spicers in and no troubles.

[biohazardbill]

verdict?

[Roadhouse]

Got the work done today....both ujoints in the rear shaft where shot. Rusty as hell. I'm pretty sure they where still factory ones with 100k miles on them and six Michigan winters. New tires went on yesterday also, but dont think that helped with the vibration, but at least they should hold air.

Sad news is I got a few estimates for the body work I need done on the rear quarter panel. $950...ouch.

damage

[deuce228]

I don't see any damage. I just see Chevy Tough!

[biohazardbill]

I replaced my Ujoints today as well.... Vib gone

[backdraft]

I replaced the rear u-joint in my 2002 Silverado today cause it had a vibration as well but no klunk when i took it apart the needles were rust and dust but the vibe is gone

[Roadhouse]

Originally Posted by deuce228

I don't see any damage. I just see Chevy Tough!

chevy tough with a smashed in quarter panel.

[KILLER"B"468]

Originally Posted by biohazardbill

verdict?

No more vibes/clucking

[Roadhouse]

Originally Posted by KILLER"B&quot

No more vibes/clucking

Bill, I took the 'Burby to my buddies shop so it was easy to do on the hoist. He told me factory u-joints are better than any aftermarket ujoint. I told him thats not what KillerB says. He looks at me and says "Well Bill has to be right"
It was funny, I think Jerry has only met you once or twice and has been a mechanic for 20 years, but backed down on his word, 'cause he has faith in your knowledge.

Oh, and I did put in spicer greasable joints.

[KILLER"B"468]

Originally Posted by Roadhouse

Bill, I took the 'Burby to my buddies shop so it was easy to do on the hoist. He told me factory u-joints are better than any aftermarket ujoint. I told him thats not what KillerB says. He looks at me and says "Well Bill has to be right"
It was funny, I think Jerry has only met you once or twice and has been a mechanic for 20 years, but backed down on his word, 'cause he has faith in your knowledge.

Oh, and I did put in spicer greasable joints.

Good deal, that is funny.... I guess I will take it as a compliment

[BigBlueBurban]

I've had the same problem for a while. Clanking in the front. No clue what the heck it is, check everything out, can't see anything that's been hitting (that i can see). Happens at really slow speeds stopping (either forward/reverse). Really starting to annoy me too.