U joint or driveshaft yoke?

Maintenance/Repairs
,
1

vehicle is a 2004 chevy tahoe 2WD. tranny fluid sometimes leaks from slip yoke. had the output shaft seal replaced and it still leaks.pink fluid drips from the yoke/ujoint area anyway not even from the seal.car shakes at 60-70 and little humming from back of car. ive had a u joint go bad before and this is different, noise is different and doesnt violently shake my car like the u joint did, instead it just shakes it slightly. this is also a new driveshaft/ujoint i have installed right now, we didnt change the yoke so i guess that gives me my answer but im just wondering what yall think…

1 Like
2

My guess, the entire driveshaft ass’y needs to be re-balanced. The leak may go away once that is done. Visit a shop that specializes in driveshafts.

3

Did you have the new shaft and U joint balanced before installing? With a new U joint the yoke should be OK.

4

Maybe the tail housing bushing in the transmission is worn out. That would allow the yoke to flop around, cause vibrations, and leak even with a new seal.

6 Likes
5

Let me second @ok4450’s diagnosis. That sounds like the problem to me, too. It would explain both the leak and the vibration.

1 Like
6

How big a job is replacing the bushing?

7

An aggravation if yout don’t have the bushing removal tool. Lacking the tool it’s best to remove the tail housing which is going to mean fluid loss.
That bushing tool is a bit pricey but there may be some cheaper alternative tools out there.

Here’s what it involves and the tool.

8

An aggravation if yout don’t have the bushing removal tool. Lacking the tool it’s best to remove the tail housing which is going to mean fluid loss.
That bushing tool is a bit pricey but there may be some cheaper alternative tools

If the OP does not have the tool wouldn’t it be better and cheaper to have a shop do it how may years if ever un till the bushing would wear out again/

1 Like
9

Yes, just have a shop do it. I think the tool in the video is about 160 dollars with some at 250. Ouch. Worth it for a trans shop; not so much for a DIYer.

There is the tail housing removal method if the OP wanted to go that route. Then it would be a matter of making or buying some press sleeves to take the bushing in and out. Not worth the hassle IMO.

Such is the mechanic life and perpetual tool buying.

4 Likes
10

14 posts were split to a new topic: 2013 Tahoe with vibration between 50-55 mph