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Dodge Dakota Vibration

23 messages,  Last post on Oct 26, 2010 at 5:26 PM

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What is this discussion about? Dodge Dakota, Transmission, Truck

Messages Page 3 of 3

#20 of 23 Re: front end vibe...not wheel bearing [tjfitz] by shome92

Jan 17, 2010 (12:46 pm)

Replying to: tjfitz (Jan 17, 2010 10:39 am)
thank you very much for the info,,that would make sense,,i think i will check both front and rear differentials to see if there is any metal in the gear oil,,,the only thing that makes me wonder is that i have a pull to the left also while driving at highway speeds

#21 of 23 Re: front end vibe...not wheel bearing [shome92] by tjfitz

Jan 17, 2010 (3:21 pm)

Replying to: shome92 (Jan 17, 2010 12:46 pm)
I don't know if differential problems could cause steering pull, but maybe? It seemed to me, when I had my pickup's rear wheels up on stands and the differential cover off, that turning either wheel alone caused the differential's planetary gears to rotate and the other wheel to turn backwards. If I had the engine running and the transmission in gear, I could probably have watched what happened to the differential when both wheels were turning and I put a drag on one of them. Being a devout coward, I didn't do that.
 
I just found a fascinating video that dates from the 1930s, and really gets into the basics of the differential. If you start it at 1 minute 50 seconds, you can cut-out a long sequence of motorcycle cops doing acrobatics in formation!
 
http://throttleblips.dailyradar.com/video/how_differential_gear_works_best_tutor- ial/
 
There's a good Internet site that names many possible causes for steering pull at http://www.aa1car.com/library/steerpul.htm

#22 of 23 Oops on differential mechanism video by tjfitz

Jan 17, 2010 (3:36 pm)

There is a hyphen or dash in that URL for the differential that shouldn't have been there. Sorry. The correct URL is http://throttleblips.dailyradar.com/video/how_differential_gear_works_best_tutor- ial/

#23 of 23 35-50 MPH vibration HELP!! by cactus93

Oct 26, 2010 (5:26 pm)

I Have a 2000 Dakota Quad Cab, 4.7L 4X4 120500 miles.
    
In my earlier post the advice I was given by the dealer and one transmission shop was that my torque converter was slipping during interlock. The problem was more noticeable after my tires got balanced. When truck in neutral or at 35-50 mph, slight vibration. Now in an attempt to get a third opinion, one shop advised that I have a clogged fuel injector. They claimed computer showed, pass side bank was running a little rich. He concluded the torque converter was not bad after getting the truck to breakdown or sputter without the interlock engaged at any speed as long as motor rpms were below 2500. Now I can feel it too. He advised STP fuel injector cleaner at a high concentrate and blow it out on the freeway. After doing just that with no change in ride. After that he felt a clogged injector or failing injector was the problem. I bought two injectors and he put them in, no change, he moved them and still no change.
**Please note that during all this I have no engine code.
He also replaced the TPS, no fix. Another mechanic felt that one of the coils might be breaking down. I bought one and put it in and test drove it in all 8 positions, no fix.
    
To date, the symptoms and attempted fixes have been as follows:
First felt vibration at 35-45 mph
Started feeling it more, went to dealer.
Drove a week and began to feel more noticeably.
After fuel injector cleaner, no fix.
   
    
First Diagnostic:
Transmission fluids slightly dirty, had them change it.
Old worn plugs, changed myself with exact replacements and proper gap settings (0.40).
Tires out of balance, Balanced them.
Flash Updates for ECM and TCM, updated them.
Went home $450 lighter, still not fixed.
    
Second Diagnostic:
Torque Converter slipping during interlock. Both stated by dealer and first tranny shop.
or possible bad TCM (no codes)
    
Third Diagnostic:
not torque converter.
Clogged injector, ran truck hard with double dose of STP, no fix.
Bought 2 injectors and moved them around, no fix.
    
Fourth Diagnostic:
Possible bad or faulty coil, bought one and played ring around the motor, no fix.
  
Fifth Diagnostic:
Trustworthy Tranny shop states no way it can be torque converter, says it must be tires. With truck off ground and wheels dangling, truck shook on lift, just like on road??
  
Sixth Diagnostic:
New Shop can't find any problem, then suggest rear diff service.
Finds broken clutch plate and rebuilds. $850
Problem unchanged and now shop says it is the tires.
Buy new tires, $650, balance two times and road force balance one time and problems still there.
  
After all of the above (over $2000) and hours and hours (priceless) of driving and thinking it feels like an out of round tire. A 35-50mph feels like a slight wobble or hop (tires are good and true and no bent rims) in the rear of the truck.
    
Please help!!!!!
Currently I'm out over $2000 and slightly better than started but not completely gone.
No OBD codes.
  
Could this be a driveshaft bent? Feels to slow and wobbly, not high speed vibration.
   
Thanks for your help,
Jason

Messages Page 3 of 3

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