Inspect These Areas

Axle Inspection
Check for low differential lubricant. During turns, the rear axle may have a chattering noise (limited slip or Traction-Lok(r) axles only). Slight chatter noise on slow turns after extended highway driving is considered acceptable and has no detrimental effect on the limited slip axle functions.

Accessory Mounting Inspection
Inspect the drive belt accessories mounting brackets and hardware for loose fasteners or bad belt alignment.

Drive Belt Inspection
Inspect the drive belt and pulleys for wear or damage. The automatic tensioners have belt wear indicator marks. If the indicator mark is not between the min and max marks, the drive belt is worn or an incorrect drive belt is installed. With the engine idling, check for irregular motion of the drive belt.

Driveshaft Inspection
Inspect the driveshaft for any undercoating or physical damage. Check for the index marks (yellow paint daub marks) on the rear of driveshaft and the axle companion flange. The paint daubs must be less than 22-1/2 degrees apart.

Driveshaft U-Joint Inspection
Raise the vehicle on a hoist and inspect the universal joints for excessive play.

Exhaust System Inspection
Raise the vehicle on a hoist and check for broken or loose clamps or brackets.

Tire/Wheel Inspection
Inspect the tire/wheel for extreme or unusual wear, damage, cupping or flat spots. Verify that the correct size tire and wheel rim are used. If a tire/wheel is damaged, the suspension components may have misalignment, abnormal wear, or damage that contributed to the tire/wheel damage.

Verification of Rear Brake Concern
Confirm whether the concern is from the rear brakes by making a light stop from approximately 80 to 56 kph (50 to 35 mph), using the parking brake. Depress the parking brake pedal slowly. A rapid application can cause rear wheel skid. Be prepared to depress the pedal again to release the parking brake. If the shudder or vibration is present, the condition is in the rear brakes. If the shudder or vibration is not present, the condition is in the front brakes.