Rear End Vibration
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Rear End Vibration
I have an 02 4door, 4x4 with severe rear end vibration when I go up a steep cornered hill. If I'm climbing striat up it is ok, but once I start turning the whole truck shakes. I can feel it coming from the rear end but am not sure what it is. I have hear U-joints but I don't know. Where is that located? I had my bearings replaced in the rear differential a month ago. Is replacing U-joints real tough? Any Ideas on that? Also can't get the tie rod end off that connects to the steering arm. Should I take the entire rod off that goes from steering arm to passenger side? I've hammered the bolt but it doesn't budge.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 12,177
Likes: 40
From: Newport, WA
I'm guessing you need put some additive in the rear end to keep the limited slip from chattering. It's available from Ford in a little bottle, you add 1/2 ounce at a time until the chattering stops. The U-joints are the X shaped pieces that connect the driveshaft to the front or rear axle. Easy to check- with the truck in N (block the tires or set the E-brake! 
) try to twist the driveline and watch for movement. The driveshaft should not move without the yoke on the axle moving, but I don't think thats your problem.
Which tie rod are you trying to remove? What I usually do is leave the nut on threaded out to the end of the threads so I have a bigger surface to hit and no chance of messing up the threads. Rap the nut a few times with a good sized hammer and it should pop loose. Some penetrating oil (let it soak in for a few minutes) between the tie rod end and where it seats might help too.
) try to twist the driveline and watch for movement. The driveshaft should not move without the yoke on the axle moving, but I don't think thats your problem.Which tie rod are you trying to remove? What I usually do is leave the nut on threaded out to the end of the threads so I have a bigger surface to hit and no chance of messing up the threads. Rap the nut a few times with a good sized hammer and it should pop loose. Some penetrating oil (let it soak in for a few minutes) between the tie rod end and where it seats might help too.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Well when I had the bearings put in, the mechanic told me the limited slip clutches were worn out. So is that why it is vibrating so bad? Am I damaging anything by leaving it that way? I could put the fluid in there but i don't know if it'd do much with them burnt out
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 12,177
Likes: 40
From: Newport, WA
That could be why its vibrating. I have no idea if it will hurt to continue to run that way (new to the LS diffs myself) but worse case scenario I can see is you'll lose your limited slip. The additive sure won't hurt and isn't that expensive I don't think.
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
If your LS is already gone you can't do any more damage but I'd try to put some additive in to see if that will help.
As for the tie rod... are you trying to get the ball joint part of the tie rod out of the pitman arm?? If you are, you should use a ball joint/tie rod separator to get them apart...
As for the tie rod... are you trying to get the ball joint part of the tie rod out of the pitman arm?? If you are, you should use a ball joint/tie rod separator to get them apart...
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 12,177
Likes: 40
From: Newport, WA
If your LS is already gone you can't do any more damage but I'd try to put some additive in to see if that will help.
As for the tie rod... are you trying to get the ball joint part of the tie rod out of the pitman arm?? If you are, you should use a ball joint/tie rod separator to get them apart...
As for the tie rod... are you trying to get the ball joint part of the tie rod out of the pitman arm?? If you are, you should use a ball joint/tie rod separator to get them apart...
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
I am trying to take off the tie rod end, but am considering taking the whole thing. It does have a boot on it, so i guess it is the ball joint. What is a tie rod/ball joint seperator? Is there any other way to get it off without spending money on the tool? Also, would I need to drain any of the fluid in the rear end to put the additive in?
Trending Topics
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 12,177
Likes: 40
From: Newport, WA
I am trying to take off the tie rod end, but am considering taking the whole thing. It does have a boot on it, so i guess it is the ball joint. What is a tie rod/ball joint seperator? Is there any other way to get it off without spending money on the tool? Also, would I need to drain any of the fluid in the rear end to put the additive in?
The ball joints are what connects the steering knuckle to the axle tube. You're gonna have a lot of stuff to remove before you can pop the knuckle loose.
No need to drain any diff fluid to add the anti slip additive, you'll only be adding 1/2 ounce at a time.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
