I have a 2007 Silverado Classic with 156k.

I recently had the transmission replaced (4L60e) as it wasn't shifting into 3rd or 4th.

Upon return from the local shop, I noticed a new vibration around 45mph. I called the shop and made an appointment to return it. In the meantime, I decided to investigate the drivetrain and found that the Center Support bearing (2 piece driveshaft since it's an Extended Cab) was handing by one bolt only, and only about three threads on that one bolt were all that was holding it in place. (see photo).

I re-attached the bearing and torqued to spec but the vibration was still there.

I ended up taking it back to the shop, who had it for another month and finally said, that the front yoke of the main driveshaft had bent, which required a new driveshaft as well as support bearing.

Now that I've had it back awhile, there's an intermittent vibration at 45-50mph and sometimes at 60 and above.

Just wondering what other factors might be at play, independent of the damage caused by the shop.

Should I re-balance the tires? (New Michelin's bought in 2019) for example?



Center Support Bearing ready to fall off

 

You might consider having the drive shaft balanced.

 

where do you feel the vibration...thru the seats/floor/body of the truck or steering wheel?
you can get a phone app that measures vibration frequency and order. this way you can isolate the vibration to axles/wheels, driveshaft, engine/trans.

without a vibration anaylzer...I would start buy ruling out the most common causes...driveshaft ujoints and tires. removing the dshaft and moving each ujoint to make sure none are tight or seized.

 

Thanks for replying. I feel it coming from the floor or body mostly. It's definitely not starting in the steering wheel. The driveshaft is new with new u-joints. but with the shoddy work this repair shop did, anything's possible and I probably should have another shop take it apart to confirm.

Also, in the past year I've replaced both front wheel bearings (new MOOG parts). The truck is 2WD. Also, wanted to mention a new problem but don't think it's related. I've always used the parking brake religiously, but when this started happening with the vibration, I notice that if I set the brake and drive the truck the next day, the brakes stick and I have to rock the truck from R to D to get it to move. I don't think it's the cable as I've inspected it and verified it travels correctly (both set and release points). It seems the brake shoes themselves are bonding to the drums if the brakes are set overnight.

And Thanks for the head's up on the Vibration app. I'll search for one in iOS App Store.

 

I had my tires re-balanced and found they were in spec. Instead, the tech discovered both upper ball joints were worn out and he attributes that to the intermittent vibration I'm having.

I've changed these on older cars where the joint was bolted or riveted in, but I believe these are pressed in. I have the tools to separate the bj from the hub but what do you recommend fro pressing out the old and pressing in the new?

Again, my truck is a 2007 Silverado Classic. 5.3L V8, RWD

Thanks so much,

RickR90s

 

you need to change the entire upper control arm. upper bj are not serviceable on this truck. since the camber/ caster adjustment is eccentric cams that secure the uca...you will need an alignment after control arm replacement.

have to say i am skeptical that an upper bj will ca use a vibration. regardless; if they have play it is a safety issue and they need replacement.

i hope you had the tires road force balanced...it is different than regular wheel balancing. tires will radial tire variation can balance perfectly on a regular balancer but shake the dash out of the truck when driving.

 

Thanks so much for your reply. I don't think the shop did a road force balance. I need to call and confirm. I agree with the assessment on worn ball joints. I never heard of worn joints causing a vibration but I'll change the complete control arms just to be safe.

 

I verified with the tire shop that the new Michelin's were road force balanced. I did a little more testing and observed the following:

At 45-50mph, and at a constant speed, the vibration will start but if I let off the throttle it immediately subsides. If I put the trans in neutral at that speed and rev the engine, no vibration. If I put in neutral at that speed and just glide, no vibration.

It appears that the vibration only occurs at that small range of speed and if the engine has a slight load.

I haven't checked the motor mounts yet, but I'm not hearing any noise (clunking) when revving the engine. I'll get a partner out there to rev it while I'm under the hood.

 

I checked the motor mounts this morning and all appears good. With my wife revving the engine, I see a very slight lift of the driver's side, and none on the passenger side.

 

I'm now wondering if the problem is in the new (Jasper) transmission, with the torque converter clutch engagement. Some research shows that the shudder I'm experiencing happens exactly at the 45-50mph speed that I'm experiencing.