Vibration while towing!
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New User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 22
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From: Not far enough west!
Vibration while towing!
Here's the problem - 2004 F-250 V-10 CC 4x4 - while towing I get a vibration that feels like it is driveline or rear end
The only time I get it is towing, with the bed empty or loaded. Tried 2 different trailers and same thing, had it on the lift - everything looks good and tight. The drive shaft was replaced last year after the old one threw a weight and couldn't be rebalanced. We re-shimed the carrier bearing as it was previously.
The only time I get it is towing, with the bed empty or loaded. Tried 2 different trailers and same thing, had it on the lift - everything looks good and tight. The drive shaft was replaced last year after the old one threw a weight and couldn't be rebalanced. We re-shimed the carrier bearing as it was previously.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,564
Likes: 11
From: Wayyy NoCal, USA
Does the truck squat noticeably in the rear when the trailer is attached?
If so, it could be a driveline alignment deal. As the rear squats, it changes the pinion to driveshaft angle. At certain angles, harmonic vibration can be an issue.
If this is the cause, either of two approaches should reduce it by changing the angle:
1) Add air bags so you can eliminate squat.
2) Play with shims in the carrier bearing. If you don't have any kind of suspension lift, remove a couple.
If so, it could be a driveline alignment deal. As the rear squats, it changes the pinion to driveshaft angle. At certain angles, harmonic vibration can be an issue.
If this is the cause, either of two approaches should reduce it by changing the angle:
1) Add air bags so you can eliminate squat.
2) Play with shims in the carrier bearing. If you don't have any kind of suspension lift, remove a couple.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,398
Likes: 317
From: Whittier, CA
A couple of things come to mind.
There is a TSB that touches on the driveline shim mentioned in the previous post.
05-17-6***DRIVE-AWAY SHUDDER OR VIBRATION
Secondly, where did you get the replacement driveline? Was it an OEM? The kind of vibration you have can be caused by incorrectly phasing the U-joint yokes in a drive shaft. This refers to how the yokes are welded, not how it is assembled. If it is OEM it should not be an issue. If it was built up for you by a shop, then it might be wrong. Google driveshaft phasing for more info, or else speak with a good driveshaft shop in your area. Most city of any size has one that specializes in driveshafts.
Now this just came to mind also. Why was the old driveshaft not able to be balanced? That doesn't sound right if it just threw a weight. Replace the weight, bingo, repaired. Might that have been a bad diagnosis and something else is actually wrong? Like a pinion bearing? Just thinking out loud here, and wondering about the history of the supposed repair.
There is a TSB that touches on the driveline shim mentioned in the previous post.
05-17-6***DRIVE-AWAY SHUDDER OR VIBRATION
Secondly, where did you get the replacement driveline? Was it an OEM? The kind of vibration you have can be caused by incorrectly phasing the U-joint yokes in a drive shaft. This refers to how the yokes are welded, not how it is assembled. If it is OEM it should not be an issue. If it was built up for you by a shop, then it might be wrong. Google driveshaft phasing for more info, or else speak with a good driveshaft shop in your area. Most city of any size has one that specializes in driveshafts.
Now this just came to mind also. Why was the old driveshaft not able to be balanced? That doesn't sound right if it just threw a weight. Replace the weight, bingo, repaired. Might that have been a bad diagnosis and something else is actually wrong? Like a pinion bearing? Just thinking out loud here, and wondering about the history of the supposed repair.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
From: Hanover Park, Illinois
I have the same issue under 50%+ acceleration. I just ignore it since I know what it is. I figure that I'll fix the prob when I eventually get time replace the joints in the driveshaft. Good luck.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,370
Likes: 1,858
From: Frederick, MD
it is not the u-joints in the driveshaft that causes this. It is the change in angle when the rear squads and you are pours the coals to it.
Add a leaf or airbags would be the recommendation I have if you cannot live with it.
Add a leaf or airbags would be the recommendation I have if you cannot live with it.
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New User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 22
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From: Not far enough west!
Thanks for the replies - I had the driveline shop try to rebalance the old shaft but they could not get it into specs. The new shaft is OEM with the new/improved dampener on the tail end. I'm going to pull the shim out from the carrier bearing, hind sight the new drive shaft is a little bigger in circumference plus the dampener could be the issue. Worse case I bag the rear end like I have done on my other Super Duties! 
Thanks for the replies
Thanks for the replies
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