I have a vibration that gets worse the faster I drive. It is most noticeable when driving over 60 mph and I let off the gas. I have checked the u-joints and they seem to be fine, but where the drive shaft goes into the rear differential there is some slack. Any ideas on what could be wrong and how hard it is to fix it?
2007-05-15 09:53:53 · 5 answers · asked by stroggin 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I forgot to mention it is 4WD.
2007-05-15 10:04:45 · update #1
the slack you mention if it is when you turn the drive shaft that is normal it is called backlash it is the gap between the ring and pinion gears you are seeing. as for your vibration have your steering checked for a worn out tie rods or you may have a bent rim did you hit any big pot holes lately?
2007-05-15 10:05:10 · answer #1 · answered by in_time_somewhere 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've been having a similar problem on my 1999 Ford Expedition (also 4WD). I took it to a shop -- they put it up on the hoist, put it in 2WD, and all four wheels turned. It was in 4WD when it was supposed to be in 2WD. They wanted to replace the whole transfer case -- quoted me $2800 to do it. I didn't want to put that kind of money into an 8-year-old vehicle, so I started doing some research. In the case of my Expedition (and maybe on your F-150, too, as their drivetrains are similar in many ways), it looks like there might be a different cause (that, happily, is cheaper to fix) >> There is a small electric motor ("transfer case motor") which moves the transfer case gears between the 2WD configuration and the 4WD configuration. If this motor (or the circuitry that controls it) is faulty, it won't move, the transfer case will stay in 4WD, and you'll get a lot of vibration as the tires are "binding" against the pavement. It doesn't look like it would be that difficult to remove the transfer case motor and check its operation. It looks like a transfer case motor can be purchased on-line for $75 to $100. If the transfer case motor is okay, the problem could be the "Generic Electronics Module" (often referred to as the GEM) -- a "computer" that controls several things, including the transfer case motor. I haven't found a price on-line for the GEM and I suspect a Ford dealer would charge lots for it. I can provide an update after I check this all out some more, if you'd like.
2007-05-15 18:17:07 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A vibration that gets worse as you drive faster is a tire balance/integrity problem.
Any vibration that shows up when the harmonics is just right, but then goes away...the prob is in the powertrain.
Take it to a shop and have them balance and inspect your tires. Hopefully, a weight just fell off.
2007-05-15 17:07:02 · answer #3 · answered by Trent B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
2 wd or 4wd? I would check my driveshaft for dents. It could be out of balance also.
2007-05-15 16:57:56 · answer #4 · answered by Dr. J 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Remove batteries, lol, just kidding, hubby says check tires for balancing.
2007-05-15 17:06:05 · answer #5 · answered by Mom of 2 great boys 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋