My 2002 Escape 2.0L with manual trans has started juddering when I coast, but only if I'm doing between about 50-70mph. Above or below those speeds it doesn't happen.

The judder feels like it's in the front suspension or driveline, it's not coming from the engine. It also only happens when I'm coasting, not at any other time. It's not an extreme "death wobble" sort of judder, it's more like I'm driving over a corrugated road surface like a washboard road. In fact the first time I noticed it, I thought it was simply poor road surface.

The way I induce it is simply to come off the gas pedal at typical freeway speeds. Everything's normal for a second or two, and then the judder starts. Two things will stop it happening - either I get back on the gas (as long as I'm on the gas pedal even the tiniest amount, there's no judder) or I throw it into neutral.

The front tyres are less than a year old, and the tie rod ends were replaced about a year ago.

I'm obviously hoping it's not suggestive of an internal transmission problem. Could it be a loose trans mount or something like that?

 

Sounds like a CV joint in the driveshafts (2 on each driveshaft), to either front wheel, check them for play/movement, likely one is starting to go.

 

OK, thanks. I'll take a look.

 

Also, jack up the front end and after supporting it with jack stands, grab the top and bottom of the wheel and see if there's ANY wobble. There shouldn't be. Check both sides.
Indication of a failing wheel bearing.
Not loose? Use a pry bar to check the ball joint pinch bolt for slop. Skip ahead to 3:30...