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