Bad vibration
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 609
Likes: 1
From: Stockholm, NJ
Bad vibration
Whenever I take my F250 out on the highway, it develops a very bad vibration from about 45-65 MPH. If I get out of the gas, I hear/feel a big 'clunk'. Ironically, it seems to smooth out above 65 MPH, if that makes any sense. I did some reading here and it seems like the carrier bearing or u-joints could be the cause. How do I check for excessive play? Just grab the driveshaft and see if it moves back and forth?
Also, I've never even seen a carrier bearing, but I'm assuming that since I feel this vibration when I am in 2WD, the problem is likely to be in the rear driveshaft. Is that correct? Could bad u-joints/carrier bearing up front still cause issues even when I'm not in 4WD?. Sorry if this is a rudimentary question. This is my first 4WD vehicle.
Thanks
Also, I've never even seen a carrier bearing, but I'm assuming that since I feel this vibration when I am in 2WD, the problem is likely to be in the rear driveshaft. Is that correct? Could bad u-joints/carrier bearing up front still cause issues even when I'm not in 4WD?. Sorry if this is a rudimentary question. This is my first 4WD vehicle.
Thanks
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 609
Likes: 1
From: Stockholm, NJ
What does a 'driveshaft out of phase' mean?
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 783
From: Simi Valley, CA
2WD: Between the front coupling shaft and rear driveshaft is the center support. Consists of a sealed bearing, large U shaped rubber support, bracket, shims.
Bearing wears causing a howl. Rubber support disintigrates causing a vibration. Replace center support and all three U-joints.
The center slip yoke needs to be greased. When splines dry out, slip yoke scores, howls like a stuck pig.
Bearing wears causing a howl. Rubber support disintigrates causing a vibration. Replace center support and all three U-joints.
The center slip yoke needs to be greased. When splines dry out, slip yoke scores, howls like a stuck pig.
More Turbo
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Butler Pa.
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Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 783
From: Simi Valley, CA
Correct, but if you read the first paragraph, there's not a peep inre to 4WD.
Should have said 1975 F250 4WD "up front" not in 2nd paragraph.
Should have said 1975 F250 4WD "up front" not in 2nd paragraph.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,261
Likes: 15
From: Big Sky Country
The yokes need to be parallel to each other, if one's 90 degrees out it will cause vibration issues with the driveline.
The 78/79 4X4 Supercabs and 4X4 Crewcabs have carrier bearings.
The 78/79 4X4 Supercabs and 4X4 Crewcabs have carrier bearings.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 609
Likes: 1
From: Stockholm, NJ
Thanks for all the feedback. Sorry for not pointing out up front that this was a 4X4 truck. My apologies for any confusion.
Do the 2WD trucks have a carrier bearing because the driveshafts are longer? Just curious.
Do the 2WD trucks have a carrier bearing because the driveshafts are longer? Just curious.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 609
Likes: 1
From: Stockholm, NJ
Mine's a '78, not '75. Not sure if that makes a difference.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 243
Likes: 16
From: Estacada, Oregon
I had a similar issue with my 77 (2wd super cab), but I had a vibration from about 35-55.
The problem was fixed after replacing the U-joints, Carrier bearing and having the drive shaft balanced and checked for condition.
Hope this helps!
The problem was fixed after replacing the U-joints, Carrier bearing and having the drive shaft balanced and checked for condition.
Hope this helps!
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 609
Likes: 1
From: Stockholm, NJ
Definitely going to climb under truck this weekend.
This is probably a stupid question, but when you have a 4X4 but are in 2WD mode, does the front driveshaft still spin?
Trying to decide if I should just pull both driveshafts and have the u-joints replaced and have them balanced.
This is probably a stupid question, but when you have a 4X4 but are in 2WD mode, does the front driveshaft still spin?
Trying to decide if I should just pull both driveshafts and have the u-joints replaced and have them balanced.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
From: Idaho
Definitely going to climb under truck this weekend.
This is probably a stupid question, but when you have a 4X4 but are in 2WD mode, does the front driveshaft still spin?
Trying to decide if I should just pull both driveshafts and have the u-joints replaced and have them balanced.
This is probably a stupid question, but when you have a 4X4 but are in 2WD mode, does the front driveshaft still spin?
Trying to decide if I should just pull both driveshafts and have the u-joints replaced and have them balanced.
