Puzzling vibration
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,378
Likes: 3
From: nebraska
Puzzling vibration
Hey guys I have a vibration in my truck thats puzzling. Ive checked the numerous threads on the subject but I am still baffled. I have a 96 150 4x4 Reg cab. I put 2 new U joints in my truck and thats when the vibration started. Going up a hill under a load ther will be no vibration and then when Im on the level it starts vibrating. I replaced my U joints because of a clicking sound in the back. Up until that point No vibrations. The u joints had some play in them so replaced both. Thats when the vibration started. It seems like it should be vice versa but it isnt. Would the driveshaft be the culprit? A bad bearing?. Replacing the U-joints started this whole thing. A shop did the work. Any thoughts would be appreciated. This is baffling to me. This is a one piece shaft by the way. Thanks for any help.
Last edited by 150ford; Jul 10, 2004 at 08:40 PM.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,959
Likes: 9
From: USA
Driveshaft balance and u-joints out of phase could be a possibility, as well as something as simple as loose yoke cap bolts, a worn slip yoke or loose pinion nut. I would take it back to the shop and have them take it for a test drive. If they are a reputable shop they will take care of it, if it's something they did.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 769
Likes: 3
I wonder if when they replaced the Ujoints if they used too big of a hammer and bent something on the driveshaft knocking it out of balance. I did that once and could not tell by looking at the driveshaft. I think this because it was fine before.
New User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Sounds like the drive shaft is not balanced. Take it back to the shop, explain the situation to them, and (as SoCalDesertRider said) let them fix it. Ford drive shafts, even one piece, are known for being very weak - it simply takes very little to throw one out of balance. You are not feeling the vibration uphill under load because the driveshaft is pushed all the way into the differential u joint, eliminating the input play. 1/8 of an inch is tolerable.
On the flat, the slightest balance problem will shake the tranny. But it also depends on the severity of the vibration... a very low, humming vibration is probably loose cap nuts or (possibly) improper needle bearing seating or having them missing. If the vibration rattles your teeth, the drive shaft could have been dropped off the lift.
Either way, double check all the u bolts for torque and inspect the u joints for apparent defects. Not tightening the u bolts all the way would cause this vibration, hands down.
On the flat, the slightest balance problem will shake the tranny. But it also depends on the severity of the vibration... a very low, humming vibration is probably loose cap nuts or (possibly) improper needle bearing seating or having them missing. If the vibration rattles your teeth, the drive shaft could have been dropped off the lift.
Either way, double check all the u bolts for torque and inspect the u joints for apparent defects. Not tightening the u bolts all the way would cause this vibration, hands down.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,378
Likes: 3
From: nebraska
Thanks everybody. Youve been very helpful. Ill double check everything you told me before I take it back. The littlest things can cause you the most grief. Im sure Ill get it straightend out. Thanks again. The FTE gurus come through again. Ill keep you posted on what I find out.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 14,413
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From: Sarnia, Ontario, CANADA!
If they placed your driveshaft in a vice while removing the u-joints that could have done it too. Don't ask me how I know....I just do..... 
-Matt
-Matt
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,378
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From: nebraska
Well guys still have the vibration problem. I had the tires rotated and balanced. the U-joints look good. The shaft cant see anything wrong there. Wish I had another shaft to stick in there to see if thats the problem. Maybe I should get a new shaft I dont know. Im truly stumped. So what would you do next. Im open to anything. Thanks for the help in advance.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 14,413
Likes: 3
From: Sarnia, Ontario, CANADA!
I would still think it is your driveshaft. You may be able to get one from a junkyard for around $100. On an old Aerostar I owned the transmission corssmember bushings were shot so it had a vibration as well. Maybe check your tranny mount? Good luck!
-Matt
-Matt
