DriveShaft Problems!!!

[vliou]

Hello!

After going to the dealer today, they say that my driveshaft is starting to bind or something and I need it. Installed is $500!! My truck only has 78000km...is this possible?

-Front driveshaft binding, can feel it when engaging 4wd, but very minor.

Is it crucial to fix? I barely use 4wd anyways...only when it's snowing, and it's AUTO too

Thanks!!
Modified by vliou at 9:16 AM 11/1/2007

[vliou]

Bump!

[KoukiS14]

Sorry for laughing about the rear nipple sir.I'm wondering if mine does this as well. . so I'll bump it up.

[SnowSurfLax]

Get a second opinion. I have heard of instances where the drive shaft will bind, though that usually has to do from using the 4Low on dry pavement.

You should feel something occuring when you engage the 4WD or when you disengage for that matter. As far as I know, when the gears/spindle/whatever engages it slightly moves the gears/CVs/whatever the hell it is and makes the car lurch somewhat.

So a little movement is totally normal for nissans to my knowledge. If anyone else knows better, please correct me.

[vliou]

When you guys engage 4wd high, do you feel a vibration in the steering wheel? (light vibration).

What happens when it totally binds? Will my car just rip itself to pieces? Thx!!

[vliou]

Just a kind bump b/c I'm about to get it fixed! Really want to know if ppl use 4wd high if they can feel a vibration in the steering wheel. Many thanks!

[KoukiS14]

This thread clears my mind a bit -- This vehicle is my first 4wd, and I do feel a vibration on the floor board when 4wd is engaged. Also, I get a *thump* when I switch back to 2wd.

[vliou]

Hmm, interesting. Do you feel the vibration in the steering wheel?

You might want to get your front driveshaft checked out. My dealer + local technicians + the local part store all scared the crap out of me as if it seizes up, i'm fu**** while driving!

[vliou]

Grr, got it replaced today. Blah $617!!

[fueler]

WOWZA does it drive better?

[vliou]

Ok, now i'm PISSED.

I got it replaced, the vibration is definitely better, but it still is there.

When engaging 4-HI, the vibration is less, but when accelerating from 40 to 80 at around 3000rpm, the vibration is present in the steering wheel. This is all in a straight line of course.

Do you guys feel this as well?

[KoukiS14]

I do feel vibration while accelerating when locked in 4hi. I assume that this is a result of the front / rear trying to turn at different rates, which is why it's advised not to use 4wd on dry pavement. I should note I don't feel this while accelerating in snow or mud.

I have no vibration in auto, because it's not a 50/50 split and can be used in mixed conditions (with that said, I only really use it on dry/ice/snowy roads, or in the rain -- never just on dry pavement).

I'd take it back to them -- they suggested it was a problem, they should eat the bill or make it right. I HATE my local Nissan dealership.

[timmack]

no joke, take that bad boy back and tell them to make it right one way or another. i agree with kouki, its not supposed to be in 4hi on dry pavement, or above 60 mph. at least thats what the thing on my sunvisor says.

[vliou]

Nah, when I did the test, it was in pouring rain...so bad my wipers were useless. Just a quick test, no harm done I hope!

[vliou]

What's the general concensus here on using AUTO in the dry (especially with full lock turns at the local McDonalds?)

[KoukiS14]

What's the general concensus here on using AUTO in the dry (especially with full lock turns at the local McDonalds?)

The general consensus is that you're only supposed to use it in slick conditions, and never in the dry.With that said, the manual and the placard on my sunvisor say differently -- that it can be used on slick or paved roads. . it's basically Attessa-ETS which is sold on several Nissans / Infinitis, and is engaged 100% of the time.With that said, however, the drive train on the other vehicles are are all entirely different.

I've never had a real binding problem, or problem turning in the dry with AUTO as opposed to using 4hi, which def. will stop the vehicle in its tracks at the drive thru.

A week after owning it, I was actually screwing around in the Arby's drive thru and engaged 4lo man was that rough.

[SnowSurfLax]

Yeah, what Kouki said. Only use a fully engaged 4X4 on surfaces that can slip. It makes an ugly noise and a nastier feeling if it's getting full grip.

AWD is a different story though.

[Buzzman]

I have to agree with most of the comments here. Running 4wd on dry pavement is a bad idea for starters.Running AWD is safer, but I wouldn't suggest it unless the roads are wet. Keep it in 2wd unless you absolutely need the 4wd function (rain, ice, snow, whatever).As for the clunking when changing modes, that's normal. It even warns you in the manual that it will do that.If you put it in park when in 4wd, and then shut off the engine, the truck will clunk. Normal. I haven't tried going fast on dry pavement in 4wd, so I can't comment on any steering shake, but I have run it up to speed in AWD mode, and I don't get any wobbles.

[vliou]

HMM, i'm trying to find why my driveshaft is shot. Was that because of the previous owner engaged 4wd high on dry roads?

[AlabamaDan]

[QUOTE=vliou]When engaging 4-HI, the vibration is less, but when accelerating from 40 to 80 at around 3000rpm, the vibration is present in the steering wheel. This is all in a straight line of course.[QUOTE]

Are you going 80 in 4HI?

[vliou]

Just for a quick bit. Owner's manual says it's OK to 80, so only took it there for a quick test

[fueler]

You're talking about 80 kph right? 80 mph is too fast for 4wd, regardless of HI or LO.

[AlabamaDan]

We may have found the problem. I wouldn't drive fast in 4hi or 4lo

[fueler]

he's in canada 80 kph = 50 mph thats about the fastest I would go in 4HI..... but mine doesnt vibrate.

[vliou]

Sorry guys, I meant kph (in Canada). Fueler, mine doesn't vibrate at 80, it's the harsh acceleration between 40 to 80 at 3000revs? Your advice is always appreciated!

[timmack]

something's funny here. there has to be something that caused the driveshaft to bind, most likely whats causing the vibration that you still feel. driveshafts dont normally just go bad, ya gotta abuse the heck outta one or have some other issue. does it feel normal in 2wd? or is that vibration still there?

[vliou]

Thanks for your reply. No vibration in 2wd at all. 4wd a a constant velocity now has no vibration, just only when accelerating hard...

[KoukiS14]

Have you revisited the dealer?