center support bearing question

[macattack]

what is the proper procedure to check for play in a center bearing? how much play is allowed?

could a bad center bearing cause a wobble/shimmy. my problem is at 35-40 mph. then wobble goes away.

any tips on replacing it. does not look like to big of a job.

thanks happy summer!!

[j hancock]

My test for the center bearing was to grab the driveshaft and see if I could shake it. Or put my foot on the driveshaft to check for movement.

The ones I have are mounted in rubber. I figured that if I could get movement in the rubber by hand or foot than the torque of the spinning driveshaft could do the same.

It is not a big deal to change. The shafts are a liitle heavy so having a helper or a couple of floor jacks will help.

Chasing wobble, bounce or vibration is a bitch!

[macattack]

thanks. mine is mounted in rubber also. so are you saying that there should be no movement at all.

[j hancock]

The movement should be almost nothing in my opinion.

Had one that doing the "foot' test moved the driveshaft about an inch.

Time for a new one. The rubber was just getting tired. The driveshaft on the truck in and out of the bearing were almost 5.5 feet long. I think it was starting a little whipping action.

Jim

[macattack]

thanks guys. i am gonna check it this weekend.

checked out the center bearing today. i laid down underneath the driveshaft and pushed up on the shaft. the rubber squished about a 1/4 inch maybe a little less. does this mean its bad or just weak rubber? i was told they all move in the rubber just as long as the bearing is tight your good.

?????