Dodge Nitro. Manual — part 540

2007 DRIVELINE

Differential & Driveline - Nitro

PROPELLER SHAFT

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

PROPELLER SHAFT

PROPELLER SHAFT VIBRATION

DRIVELINE VIBRATION

A out of round tire or wheel that is out of balance, will cause a low frequency vibration.

Brake rotors that are unbalanced will cause a harsh, low frequency vibration.

Driveline vibration can be caused by loose or damaged engine mounts.

Drive Condition

Possible Cause

Correction

Propeller Shaft Noise

1. Undercoating or other foreign
material on shaft.

1. Clean exterior of shaft and wash
with solvent.

2. Loose propeller shaft.

2. Install new screws and tighten
to proper torque.

3. Loose or bent joint or excessive
runout.

3. Install new propeller shaft.

4. Incorrect driveline angularity.

4. Measure and correct driveline
angles.

5. Worn joint.

5. Install new propeller shaft

6. Propeller shaft damaged or out
of balance.

6. Install new propeller shaft.

7. Broken rear spring.

7. Install new rear spring.

8. Excessive runout or unbalanced
condition.

8. Re-index propeller shaft, test,
and evaluate.

9. Excessive drive pinion gear
shaft runout.

9. Re-index propeller shaft and
evaluate.

10. Excessive pinion flange
deflection.

10. Inspect and replace propeller
shaft if necessary.

11. Excessive transfer case runout. 11. Inspect and repair as

necessary.

Joint Noise

1. Loose screws.

1. Install new screws and tighten
to proper torque.

2. Lack of lubrication.

2. Replace propeller shaft as
necessary.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 DRIVELINE Differential & Driveline - Nitro

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 DRIVELINE Differential & Driveline - Nitro

Propeller shaft vibration increases with vehicle speed. A vibration that occurs at a specific speed is not usually
caused by a out of balance propeller shaft. Worn universal joints or an incorrect propeller shaft angle, can cause
such a vibration.

BALANCE

Fig. 1: Identifying Propeller Shaft & Flange
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

Fig. 2: Identifying Screw Clamp & Propeller Shaft

NOTE:

Indexing the propeller shaft (1) 90° relative to the flange (2) may eliminate some
vibrations.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 DRIVELINE Differential & Driveline - Nitro

Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1. Raise the vehicle.

2. Clean all the foreign material from the propeller shaft and universal joints.

3. Inspect propeller shaft for missing balance weights, broken welds, and bent areas.

4. Inspect joints for wear, proper installation and correct alignment with the shaft.

5. Remove wheels and tires and install wheel lug nuts to retain brake drums/rotors.

6. Mark and number the shaft six inches from the pinion flange end at four positions 90 degrees apart.

7. Run and accelerate the vehicle until vibration occurs. Note the intensity and speed the vibration occurred.

Stop the engine.

8. Position one screw clamp (1) on the propeller shaft (2) at one of the 90 degree marks.

9. Start the engine and check for vibration. If there is little or no change in vibration, move the clamp to the

next mark. Repeat the vibration test. If there is no difference in vibration at the other positions, the source
of the vibration may not be propeller shaft.

Fig. 3: Identifying Second Clamp & Propeller Shaft
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

10. If vibration is decreased, install a second clamp (1) in the same position on the propeller shaft (2) and

repeat the test.

NOTE:

If the propeller shaft is bent, it must be replaced.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 DRIVELINE Differential & Driveline - Nitro

Fig. 4: Separating Clamps 1/4 Inch
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

11. If the additional clamp causes an additional vibration, separate the clamps (1) 1/4 inch above and below

the mark. Repeat the vibration test.

12. Increase distance between the clamps and repeat the test until the amount of vibration is at the lowest

level. Bend the slack end of the clamps so the screws will not loosen.

13. If vibration remains unacceptable, repeat the procedure to the front end of the propeller shaft.

14. Install wheel and tires, and lower vehicle.

STANDARD PROCEDURE

PROPELLER SHAFT

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 DRIVELINE Differential & Driveline - Nitro