Drive Shaft Noise Or ?

[ccrider,]

Have noise in the rear of coach that I can hear when I first start off at a slow speed. Got an appointment with dealer to have it checked out. Thought it might be brake shoe but by applying brakes the sound does not change. My thought is that it is drive shaft, either bad or out of aliment. Do you think this could be. The sound is not a squeak but more like a thump. I did grease u joints didn't change. I have a 2009 Coachman 38' single rear axle DP

[Doggy Daddy]

You greased the U joints, but did you remember to inspect all the U joints, including those sealed, by trying to lift and move the drive line side to side. U joints should be inspected with each LOF.
Also inspect the drive line to see if any balance weights (tac welded on) fell off. It happens.

[vtbigdog]

It might be a universal joint. These can be tested and easily replaced.

[Gary RVRoamer]

I would have little faith in most RV dealers when it comes to diagnosing driveline noises/problems. There are a few dealers that have competent chassis shops & techs, but not many. You need to go to a chassis shop, preferably one that is familiar with yours, which I'm guessing is a Freightliner of some sort.

[ccrider,]

Thanks for the help,did a final check before dealer took it in. Had it in parking lot with a second person walking beside the unit, the noise was coming from the front drivers wheel. Lifted the tire off ground check for play in wheel none then spun it around turned free, guess it was the brake shoe dragging a little after all. Next trip out will check the wheel with temp. gun to see if it is over heating.

[Sam Green]

You could have a bad wheel bearing, by taking the weight off of the wheel, the noise goes away put it back down and the noise comes back. It doesn't take much of a spot on a bearing to make quiet a noise with all of that weight on it.

[Mike Canter]

If you have steel wheels with those large full cover hubcaps I would recommend checking them for tightness. The will squeak and pop and low speeds.

[slickest1]

Also could be a cracked wheel. Look for cracks between the stud holes.