Moderator: volvite
As usual, awesome info! Thanks so much!smj999smj wrote:That type of noise is usually associated with a bad wheel bearing. The R51 wheel bearing is unlike earlier Pathy's in that it is a hub assy., like GM uses. It uses ball bearings instead of tapered roller bearings and when water gets past the seal, it can pit the race and cause a "growl" or "roar" type noise that increases and decreases with speed and may not exhibit excessive play.
As far as the shaft, i wouldn't use epoxy here. A new shaft would come balanced, so there is no reason to get it balanced, again. A driveshaft shop "might" be able to replace the end. I would try finding one at a salvage yard. Try Car-parts.com.
Forget the dealer. Take it in to a driveline shop. If they can't repair it, they can at least get you hooked up with a new one. My previous vehicle, a 2000 Durango, was a POS when it came to lots of things, especially driveline-related problems.DanJetta wrote:
1. JB Weld it. Even though it's only a tiny amount (rebuilding the lip that holds the clip), I'm not sure how this would affect the balance.
2. Order a new propeller shaft ($400) and get it balanced at a transmission shop.
3. Take it to the stealership and have them replace and balance the shaft.
Good point. I replaced my front right wheel bearing at a little over 100k miles and it did not have any play, just a cyclic noise most noticeable at lower speeds.smj999smj wrote:That type of noise is usually associated with a bad wheel bearing. The R51 wheel bearing is unlike earlier Pathy's in that it is a hub assy., like GM uses. It uses ball bearings instead of tapered roller bearings and when water gets past the seal, it can pit the race and cause a "growl" or "roar" type noise that increases and decreases with speed and may not exhibit excessive play.