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chieftain55



Joined: 28 Jun 2017
Posts: 11




PostPosted: Tue Apr 17, 2018 2:01 pm    Post subject: Vibration at Speed Reply with quote

I finally was able to pick up my 55 Chieftain Wagon and drive from storage to home. The car ran great, I know the linkage has to be adjusted because 2nd to 3rd is off. The problem though is as I get up to speed, and shift into 4th, a vibration or rumble occurs. It gets bad through a range and then lessens but is still present. Driving around town you don't experience much, but on the highway you do. It seems to be worse under power than when coasting but is still present then. Haven't been able to get under it yet, and am hoping it is something simple. I am just worried because you don't really seem to experience it much till you shift into 4th gear. Oh one thing was doing it on OLD tires, and still doing it on new tires.

ANY ideas? Similar experiences? Thanks!!!
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Larry
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Joined: 01 Jun 2006
Posts: 4768




PostPosted: Fri Apr 20, 2018 7:24 pm    Post subject: Vibrations Reply with quote

Glad you mentioned the tires,because after sitting in storage for a while, they can get flat spots on them. That said though, was it new tires that it was sitting on while stored? The old nylon tires used to thump like crazy in winter time every morning until they got round again. Those were the days!

Now, if it isn't tires, there is a little bit of a giveaway when you mention more under power than when coasting. That is sure indicative of U-joints. Now when it the lower gears, the "slop" is perhaps being held firm, thus not vibrating much. When it high gear, at speed, the slop becomes more noticeable. If you can cruise at a good speed and gently apply and let off the gas, and feel the vibration sort of come and go, then it is most likely a U-joint. It's hard to check by trying to wiggle the driveshaft because of the slop in the rear gears and transmission. Now, if you put on the emergency brake and can wiggle the driveshaft a good deal, then that is the problem. However, I've seen u-joints that never showed a sign of wiggle and the inside roller needles were dust.

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chieftain55



Joined: 28 Jun 2017
Posts: 11




PostPosted: Sat Apr 21, 2018 5:39 pm    Post subject: thanks Reply with quote

I am sure hoping it is the U-joints...I will find out once I move into my house and can get at it. The tires are radial and were new, arrived and installed in couple days time. The car runs so nice...I know the linkage needs adjustment though shifts out of first very quick and takes a long time between 2nd and 3rd. Down shift is off too, often doesn't get down to second when slowing and turning at intersection. Not worried about that so much as the vibration. Will keep it mostly local till I get under it.

Thanks, I will let you know. I also have to track down what is draining my battery when car is off.
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chieftain55



Joined: 28 Jun 2017
Posts: 11




PostPosted: Fri Jun 08, 2018 2:00 pm    Post subject: Found The VIBRATION!! Reply with quote

I haven't been able to do much with my car as the starter went out and was living in a hotel. Now that I moved into the house I got her running and took her for a spin. The vibration is really bad as speed increases so I jacked up the back end and put it in drive and wow....the problem was obvious. You can see it here https://youtu.be/LVzOiv5pJNE. I took it out and discovered it had multiple dents in the center, I think it picked up something at some point and it got wrapped around the drive line. Anyways, taking it to a local drive line shop this weekend.
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Larry
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Joined: 01 Jun 2006
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PostPosted: Sat Jun 09, 2018 9:27 pm    Post subject: Vibration Found Reply with quote

WOW! No wonder it was vibrating. It is kinda funny that none of us actually thought of a bent driveshaft. I'm sure it is because it is so rare. Too bad you didn't ask some off-broader truck or Jeep guy. I bet they have that problem a lot.
Any way... glad you found it. A good driveshaft place can fix you up. Have them check that no damage happened to the yoke ends (they normally just replace the tube portion). Also new U-joints are a must.
Good luck.

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