Testing for bad 1/2 shaft
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Elder User
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From: Portland, OR
Testing for bad 1/2 shaft
I am in the process of troubleshooting a noise from the right front drive part of my 93 AWD Aerostar. I'm pretty certain it's either the wheel bearing or 1/2 shaft. I took both units out, but they both feel "okay". The bearing feels maybe dry but turns smooth and no play. There is a bit of pay on the hub end of the 1/2 shaft but no torn boots or grinding. I would like to reinstall and drive without the 1/2 shaft in place. If the noise is gone, I think I have my culprit (the 1/2 shaft). If it's still there, it should be the hub.
Is this okay to do, would it damage any other components? For the record, the noise sounds like a bad bearing (rumbling, droning but no/minimal vibration). There is no "clicking" noise.
Thanks,
Mark Biederbeck
Is this okay to do, would it damage any other components? For the record, the noise sounds like a bad bearing (rumbling, droning but no/minimal vibration). There is no "clicking" noise.
Thanks,
Mark Biederbeck
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From: home
Testing for bad 1/2 shaft
How hard was it to pull the half shafts? What special tools(puller)did you need? When you turn the hub with the half shafts off, do you feel any binding, roughness? When the bearings went out on another 4 wheel drive I had with half shafts you could feel the binding when you turned it by hand. Not sure about driving it with the halfshafts off? So far my 93 AWD halfshafts are ok.
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Testing for bad 1/2 shaft
[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 26-Jul-01 AT 05:06 PM (EST)[/font][p]For what it's worth, check the upper mounting bracket on your front differential. Mine had broken and was allowing the differential to sit on the cross member and was transmitting all kinds of rumbling and knocking sounds. There should be about 3/4 to 1 inch of space between the bottom of the differential and the cross member. Three times I've been convinced the halfshafts were bad and it's always turned out to be something else. They are a lot more durable than we think.
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Elder User
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From: Portland, OR
Testing for bad 1/2 shaft
Guys, thanks for the messages. I didn't use any speacial tools to remove, had to remove the shock and rubber stop to get the 1/2 shaft out. However, I don't have the retainer nut off yet but plan to reinstall the assembly to get a grip on the nut (I need a deeper socket, mine wouldn't reach).
I can't really feel ANY binding, just a tad bit loose on the 1/2 shaft on the hub end.
Aerocolorado, I'll check the diff mounting again, you mentioned this before and I did a quick check but it looked okay. Worth a second look.
Still would like to hear from someone if it's okay to drive with one of the 1/2 shafts out.
Thanks,
Mark Biederbeck
I can't really feel ANY binding, just a tad bit loose on the 1/2 shaft on the hub end.
Aerocolorado, I'll check the diff mounting again, you mentioned this before and I did a quick check but it looked okay. Worth a second look.
Still would like to hear from someone if it's okay to drive with one of the 1/2 shafts out.
Thanks,
Mark Biederbeck
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From: PNW
Testing for bad 1/2 shaft
Just for the record, the Ford factory manual says not to put any load on the wheel bearings unless the half shafts are installed. Not sure what it has to do with the bearings but the manual is very clear about not putting any load on the wheel with the shafts removed.
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Joined: May 2002
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From: San Antonio
Testing for bad 1/2 shaft
I'll tell you why you need the half-shafts! I tried to nurse home my '93 after the half-shaft sheared from the transaxle and I had pulled it out of the hub. Went OK for about 3 miles at less then 30mph. Then, well, basically the wheel fell off! I pulled over and I found the inner bearing lying on the ground and the wheel sitting at an angle. Now, along with the half-shaft, I have to replace the hub assy, too ($115).
Worst part of it all is that the half-shaft sheared off on the highway and I don't have the 'grease cap' that sits between the half-shaft and the transaxle and, GET THIS, Ford DOESN'T CARRY IT AT ALL! I'm not sure what I'm gonna do, but I hope the boneyard's got something around. Wish me luck!!!
