U Joints
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Freshman User
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U Joints
Hi, How can i check the u joints on my 2002 Ranger with a manual transmission? I 've jacked it up and tried to move the driveshaft but couldn't find any play. I know that on an automatic you would be able to hear it when shifting from Park to Drive.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
If you can't move the driveshaft they're fine I believe. Try putting it in first gear with the emergency brake off, see if you can move it both ways, neutral with the E-brake on, try again, then neutral with e-brake off and get the wheels spinning slightly, than suddenly try to turn the driveshaft the other way and see if it makes the clunking noise.
What makes you think something is up with them to begin with?
RP
Zach
What makes you think something is up with them to begin with?
RP
Zach
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Freshman User
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The backs were balanced the same time and rotated too. It's a 5 speed and appears to be okay. The tires appear normal with no cuts or bulges on the side.
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Post Fiend
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From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Northern Maine
I agree that it doesnt sound like a U-joint problem. U-joints make a snapping or clunking sound when starting out and at very low speeds. I have had trouble in years past with an out of balance drive shaft. I'm not sure how they do it, but a common hose clamp can be used to balance a drive shaft. Good Luck
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
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From: SW Va
Well several things come to mind.
Did this problem begin just AFTER the tire/wheel rotation & balance????
If so, I'm thinking maybe a bent wheel, out of round tire, or maybe a thrown wheel weight.
Has the drive shaft ever been removed???
If so & if it began afterward, maybe it wan't marked & put back on in the same rotation orientation, to retain runout & balance.
Does your driveshaft have a "carrier bearing" set up???? If so check it's condition!!!!
Just some additional thoughts for consideration.
Did this problem begin just AFTER the tire/wheel rotation & balance????
If so, I'm thinking maybe a bent wheel, out of round tire, or maybe a thrown wheel weight.
Has the drive shaft ever been removed???
If so & if it began afterward, maybe it wan't marked & put back on in the same rotation orientation, to retain runout & balance.
Does your driveshaft have a "carrier bearing" set up???? If so check it's condition!!!!
Just some additional thoughts for consideration.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 455
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Originally Posted by pawpaw
Well several things come to mind.
Did this problem begin just AFTER the tire/wheel rotation & balance????
If so, I'm thinking maybe a bent wheel, out of round tire, or maybe a thrown wheel weight.
Has the drive shaft ever been removed???
If so & if it began afterward, maybe it wan't marked & put back on in the same rotation orientation, to retain runout & balance.
Does your driveshaft have a "carrier bearing" set up???? If so check it's condition!!!!
Just some additional thoughts for consideration.
Did this problem begin just AFTER the tire/wheel rotation & balance????
If so, I'm thinking maybe a bent wheel, out of round tire, or maybe a thrown wheel weight.
Has the drive shaft ever been removed???
If so & if it began afterward, maybe it wan't marked & put back on in the same rotation orientation, to retain runout & balance.
Does your driveshaft have a "carrier bearing" set up???? If so check it's condition!!!!
Just some additional thoughts for consideration.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,208
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Out and about a bad ujoint can shudder going down the road. This is usually caused by a dry journal that may not have any slack in it yet. I have expierenced this exact problem. And the best and most positive way to check the ujoints is to take the drive shaft out and move them around. They should move easily with no catching or binding. If it has a carrier bearing it can cause the problem. Still the best way to check is to take it down and check for ease of roatation and looseness. If a joint is loose then the shaking the drive shaft in place will indicate the loosness. But just dry and tight won't always show up. I have had them come into the shop where they where squeaking but didn't show loosness and had to be replaced because they had become dry and started gallding the needles.
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Freshman User
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Thanks for the replies Guys. I took the shaft out and checked for looseness and dryness but everything was good. Down to the garage and checked the 2 rear tires and both needed to be rebalanced. I couldn't believe that one month earlier they were balanced...Thanks again