Knocked a metal ring off aft end of drive shaft

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SeaSickSailor

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E6A9FF8E-DECB-43F8-B674-DA0A347EDB95.jpeg In the picture you can see the metal ring that I have secured out of the way of the rotating drive shaft. It’s normally around the bright shiny ring just aft of the universal shown. There was a rubber strip between the two. Is this just a balancing ring? I didn’t notice any difference driving at highway speeds for 6 hours. I plan to take her into the dealer to get it fixed but need a little education first. Any forum members with experience here? Thanks.
 
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SeaSickSailor

SeaSickSailor

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I have all the parts and nothing was broken so it should just be a matter of installation. Not sure that I can compress the rubber strip enough to get the ring back on though. What does that outer ring do? It looks uniform all round so I can’t imagine it is for balancing the drive shaft, etc.
 

Scotts26

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It’s more like a harmonic dampener as opposed to a balance weight. You probably won’t be able reassemble it but would have to replace it. You could probably take it off and never notice the difference... But I personally would fix it.
 
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SeaSickSailor

SeaSickSailor

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It should be under warranty so I’ll see what the dealer says. Thanks.
 

Hallque

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To OP, sorry this is so late, but can you update on the outcome? I knocked the same ring off and the dealer wants to replace the entire drive shaft, which seems crazy. Thanks!
 
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SeaSickSailor

SeaSickSailor

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I cut the ring off and so far everything seems to be operating just fine. Dealer recommended driving without the ring to see if there was any detectable difference. There hasn’t been.
 

Armyman247

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I knocked the same thing off at like 1k miles. I was worried at first but when I found out it’s just a Dampener I waited to see if I noticed any difference. Several thousand miles later I notice nothing. Rather than fight with the dealer to get it replaced I’m not even going to bother.
 

Armyman247

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Quick update brought it to the dealer service dept (at the advice of my sales guy) told them it’s a purpose built “off-road” vehicle. The manager called corporate and they are replacing the driveshaft without issue.
 

4xdad

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They shouldn’t have to replace the whole thing just the yoke
 

motorbreath

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They shouldn’t have to replace the whole thing just the yoke
I had to have mine replaced and they just replaced the whole drive shaft, no questions. Second time I brought it in they could see the marks where it had clearly been knocked off while on the trail so no warranty work there :33: months later, the yoke ring is still bungee corded to my diff lol
 

speedyslvr

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Just had the same thing happen to me….E4CEF428-3261-4047-913E-6ECD1335CA5E.jpeg
 

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speedyslvr

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I ended up heating up the outside of the ring with a propane torch and used a combination of clamps and beating it with a hammer to get it back in place.
 
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@Armyman247 @motorbreath
Not sure why your dealerships would have replaced your driveshafts...the 'ring' you lost came off the yoke at the front of the differential. It's the part your driveshaft bolts to. Kinda like replacing a tire because the balancing weight came off the wheel.
 

Armyman247

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@Armyman247 @motorbreath
Not sure why your dealerships would have replaced your driveshafts...the 'ring' you lost came off the yoke at the front of the differential. It's the part your driveshaft bolts to. Kinda like replacing a tire because the balancing weight came off the wheel.
yeah im just as confused i thought the same thing.. but hey i take a new driveshaft
 

davinski

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Found this thread when searching for the same thing after mine came off. I have the ring zip tied in place and the gasket in my glove box. I'm not a car guy but I don't see the point of them. If I put it or have it put back in place, I'm likely just going to bump it off again. Seems a poor design. Are there any good rear diff covers or trusses that would protect that from rocks? I have a Carli front diff cover on but couldn't find anything great for the rear.

Any other updates from anyone else who's had this happen?
 
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GTyankee

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In Oregon, there is at least one DriveShaft Shop

19325 S.W. TETON
TUALATIN, OR 97062
Phone: (503) 639-9476

 
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