2014 WK2 Hemi Driveshaft Vibration

[rpaoness]

I cleaned out the burnt/caked grease from the front CV and reassembled. Due to the damage to the center "star" on a couple of the ball pockets, I didn't think it would limp through beyond getting a new driveshaft. After putting it all back together it was almost undriveable due to the vibration. I went to the gas station and back and it's now parked until I can get a new driveshaft.

Based on the Youtube Videos, I think I'm convinced that the USA Standard Gear stuff is US made and backed by Randy's ring and pinion, so I think I'm going to give it a shot.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwxyn4LNRH0

[rpaoness]

I ordered yesterday and it took until this afternoon to show "shipped" with a tracking number. No FEDEX delivery estimate yet, but it shipped out of Randy's Fresno CA warehouse. RockAuto estimate was that I'd have it by Tuesday, hopefully they do a little better.

[rpaoness]

Early this morning Fedex forecast Friday delivery, then later this morning they show Saturday delivery. Looks like I won't be able to install until Monday anyway. So I guess I lost 8 days of Jeep use w/ no driveshaft.

[rpaoness]

Driveshaft arrived today and I installed. Felt very smooth up to about 35 mph or so, smoother than ever and got rid of the heavy-accel vibration. Above about 40 mph some I think driveshaft resonance set up very noticeably and vibrated to about 65 or so. Then it smoothed out, and 50-65 roll up/down is fine, drives OK otherwise. Repeatable... So I emailed USA Standard Gear that I intend to return it to RockAuto for a Mopar replacement but that I emailed them 1) if they had any questions on symptoms for the unit I was returning, and 2) if they had any higher quality replacements they could offer.

We'll see what they say, but I would some day like to have my jeep back... I guess I can drive it to work Thursday, 100 miles each way, hoping that I don't have to slow down much?

[rpaoness]

Drove the kids to school and got on the highway this morning. Seems fine now. Ground up particle during break-in one of the CVs? Not encouraging…

[rpaoness]

Did another drive - seems fine?

[kevm14]

Yeah there aren't many scenarios where bearings have vibration and then don't and the conclusion is "that'll probably be fine forever."

Unless it was something rubber seating in somehow.

[rpaoness]

I think it would be the CV joints and not the carrier bearing.

[rpaoness]

106 mile long drive to Fitchburg MA on the highway and seemed fine the whole way. Weird.

[rpaoness]

Drive back was fine also, vibration during heavy accel appears to be gone. I guess I'll call it fixed and do a partial visual check when I'm in for the next oil change in about 4k miles.