Drivetrain Vibration--HELP!!

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Oct 26, 2003 | 11:59 AM

Mr Dave73

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From: Marianna, FL

Drivetrain Vibration--HELP!!

I posted this in the drivetrain section also. I figured I would try here as well, so maybe I could get more response. THanks!

A couple of days ago, I was driving my 97 Mountaineer AWD down the interstate and felt a slight vibration that went away relatively quickly. The way it came and went, I didn't think anything of it--figured it was likely a bad spot in the road. Well a few minutes later, the vibration began again--except much worse. I slowed and pulled off the road to check things and did not see anything obvious. I got back in and started going forward and heard a clank that seemed to correspond with the front axle revolution or front driveshaft revolution.

Now I have it back home and am looking for the problem. The output shaft of the transfer case has a couple of torn spots in the boot. I went to the auto parts store and they do not list this joint/boot. Is this joint a dealer only item? If so, what is the part number or where can I find one?

I have not yet taken it apart, but will be working on it this afternoon. Any tips? Thanks for the help!

Nov 14, 2003 | 04:09 PM

KurtH56

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From: Pacific Northwest

Dave,

I dunno if this is your problem because your rig is much newer than mine, but I just had a clanking and then a vibration when I had my foot on the gas. Mine was noticeable above about 25 MPH. Turns out the U-Joints were gone. Replacing them made the vibration go away. My Explorer is a 91 and had about 145k on it at the time. If your vibration improves when you are coasting and worsens when you put your foot on the gas you might want to look at the U-joints.

Kurt

Nov 14, 2003 | 08:20 PM

Mr Dave73

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From: Marianna, FL

Well it turned out the joint at the transfer case was binding up. I replaced the shaft and both joints and the snapping/popping noise went away. BUT the vibration returned at 45 mph and just gets worse the faster I go. I took the front shaft out and the vibration goes away, but the transfer case sounds sick. I've pretty much given up at this point and am letting a mechanic look at it.

May 29, 2004 | 02:43 PM

tcguertin

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From: Waverly, WV

Vibration

What was the final verdict?

May 29, 2004 | 08:47 PM

Mr Dave73

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From: Marianna, FL

Well its a long story. The mechanic that looked at it swore it was a problem with the bearings in the rear axle. So he replaced every bearing in the rear axle and the vibration was still there as bad as ever. Then he swore that it was a tire separating. So I bought a tire (mistake) and the vibration was still there. At that point, I gave up and took it to the dealer. The dealer took 3 or 4 weeks to finally tell me it was the viscous coupling in the transfer case. He replaces that and the vibration is 75% gone, but still there. He tells me since the new tire is slightly different in diameter than the rest that it is causing the rest of the vibration. So I get a full set of new tires. Vibration 90% gone. My fiance' at the time felt like it was great, but I could still feel some vibration. So I decided to buy a Ford replacement driveshaft and try it. I put that in and its as smooth as a new one. So now I have a Mounty with a new front driveshaft, new tires, and new transfer case.

Jun 1, 2004 | 08:04 PM

whoozeyourdaddy

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My girlfriends 98 mountaineer has the same vibration. It starts at about 65, and doesn't get any worse, or better when you give it gas or let off, the vibration is just always there. How do i check if the drive shaft is bad or not? And if it is do i just by a ford shaft?

Thanks,
Brian.