Front drive shaft problem
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Front drive shaft problem
I have a problem with my 1997 explorer xlt AWD. The rear of the drive shaft does not have a U-joint. It is rattling to be damned. When i inspected close up the rear of the shaft will shake like it is loose. I have priced a new shaft and it is way beyond my budget right now. Can i remove the front drive shaft and run with out it till i can scrape up the money for a new one or find one in a salvage yard? Any help on this would be awsome.
More Turbo
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 552
Likes: 9
I dont see why you couldnt drive it without the foward drive shaft in place. even if the transfer case kicks in if you got auto 4x4 it will just free spin. I mean it sure wont leak there or anything, you just wont have front axle hook up. try it out.
Yeah i just removed one on a 98 and it sure looks like you would have to replace the whole shaft unit should it wear out there.
Yeah i just removed one on a 98 and it sure looks like you would have to replace the whole shaft unit should it wear out there.
More Turbo
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 552
Likes: 9
just take out the front shaft. make sure your using a good #30 torx bit to remove the universal cap straps, i broke a good blue point torx luckily it came right out with a magnet. then i used a snap on to remove them lucky there are only 4 of them. on the back end you got a series of bolts with straps too then she comes right out.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
Thank you Boots, I forgot to mention that, if you cannot Get a good torx bit, find a parts store near you that honors their tools with lifetime replacement warranty, make sure they have a few or more, you WILL break a few, I went through about 3 of em.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Well guys I took out the shaft today. I can not say it was the easiest thing I have ever done, but it was by no means the hardest either. The test drive (about 40 miles) went well. Thanks for your help and advice guys. After your advice about the torx head bolts, I bought a can of PB Blaster Penetrating Catalyst and sprayed down all the bolts ten Mins. before I even atempted to take the out. I am here to tell you it lived up to its billing. That stuff beat liquid wrench hands down. Took one little tap on the retchet end for each bolt and out the came. Thank God for better living through modern chemistry.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
passthegaff
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
5
Mar 13, 2017 08:21 PM
jplinville
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Oct 17, 2016 08:41 PM
pcpotter1023
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
4
Jul 7, 2015 10:21 PM
