All,

I have a '92 F150, 4WD, 105K miles.

I had new tires put on last fall and just had them rotated and balanced today. I have been having a vibration at about 25 MPH that last until I hit 30 MPH. Makes no mater what gear I'm in. It also lets up when I take my foot off the gas. What is this?
It's been getting worse.

Thanks,

PMW

Pwaltermeyer(No Email Addresses In Posts!)

 

Sounds like its about time to start taking a close look at the wear on your suspension and steering components. I would start with the idler and pitmann arms, then move to the tie rod ends. If any of those components are wore, they can produce the symptoms your experiencing. Another good indicator is the tires will show "cupping" relatively fast.

Good Luck,

Aaron
1995 F150, Ext. Cab, Long Bed, 4.9L-I6, 2wd

 

I presume you are in 2WD when this happens? I'd also have a close look at your drive shaft to the rears. Kind of makes me think the U-joints are worn and need to be replaced.

 

i would say u-joints as well they are cheap enough that if that isnt it well hey didnt hurt to have new ones right lol but i am almost sure that is what it is

 

Did the vibration problem occur when you had the tires installed last fall ? A lot of low speed vibraion problems can be traced or attributed to faulty tires .

 

Mike,

This happens in both 2WD & 4WD. Any idea what I might get charged to have these U-joints fixed/replaced?

Thanks,
PMW

 

This is a good DIY project. If you take it to a shop they will Flat Rate you for about 2 hours + parts, I'd say around $120. If you do it yourself it is the front & back U-joints (about $40 for both including new straps), 4 nuts and about 1 hour. You can do it without a lot of specialized tools (socket set, needle nosed pliers, C-clamps or bench vise, etc.) and if you want to take it on, post back and one of us will walk you through the steps. If you like e-mail me off the board and I will send you the instructions. The first one of these I did at the tender age of 17 was on my very own first car, a '53 Ford flat-head V-8 with one of the first 'automatic' transmissions. I did a few things wrong and thought I would never find all those needle bearings but finally got it back together. Ah, the good ol' days....

You really won't know the true state of the drive shaft until you pull it and have a closer look. If it is the U-joints and you wait too long you will not only be walking, but you may have to pay a visit to the salvage yard for another shaft. I had one fail on me without notice on my '65 Mustang (again many years ago) and it twisted the yoke on the way off the car. I guess it did give me notice, I just thought it could wait a little longer as I had some serious girl chasing to do. I drive trucks now. My girl likes them a lot better than Mustangs.

 

Thanks for the info. I'm headed to the shop today.

 

i have an 89 f-150 with an aod and had the same vibe's. next thing i knew the drive shaft was behind me on the service road...my u-joints looked like they had been dry for 10 yrs...the needle bearings came out in a fine rusty powder and i had to have my dads ford ranger pull me home where i was stuck doing work in the cold...so get them checked definitly.

 

I would recommend the greaseable U-joints. They have a grease fitting on the U-joint so you can grease them ocasionally.
The high strength Greaseable u-joints were $13 a piece at NAPA in milwaukee, wisconsin.
I do my own U-joint work now.. No problem..
Good luck,
Gene
1996 F150 4x4 ext. cab
www.geocities.com/wb9prg