Visually inspect the CV joints, boot, boot seals and clamps for obvious signs of mechanical damage.
If an obvious cause for the observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.
If the cause is not visually evident, verify the symptom and refer to the Symptom Chart: NVH.
Symptom Chart
The diagnosis in this manual assumes a certain level of skill and knowledge of Ford-approved diagnostic procedures. REFER TO: Diagnostic Methods (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).
Symptom Chart: NVH
Symptom Chart
Condition
Action
Transmission clunk - loud clunk when shifting from REVERSE to DRIVE.
GO to Pinpoint Test A
Transmission shudder - occurs when the vehicle begins to move forward from a stop.
GO to Pinpoint Test B
Grunt - usually associated with driveline shuck experienced during acceleration from a complete stop.
GO to Pinpoint Test C
Transmission vibration - occurs at cruising speeds.
GO to Pinpoint Test D
Pinpoint Tests
DIAGNOSTIC TEST A: TRANSMISSION SHUDDER - SEVERE SHUDDER ON REVERSE TO DRIVE SHIFT
Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms
Axle shafts transmit rotational motion through constant velocity (CV) joints. The outboard CV joints use balls, do not have length compensation, and engage the wheel hub splines. The inboard CV joints use balls, have length compensation, and are retained to the differential by a snap ring. The inboard CV joints use balls, have length compensation, and are retained to the differential by a snap ring.
Possible Sources
Damaged or worn constant velocity (CV) joints
Loose hub nut
A1 CHECK THE HUB NUT TORQUE
Check the hub nut torque.
Is the hub nut loose?
Yes
Tighten the hub nut to specification. REFER TO: Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly - AWD (204-02 Rear Suspension, Removal and Installation).
No
GO to A3
A2 CHECK THE SUSPENSION AND STEERING SYSTEM FASTENER TORQUE
Check the front lower arm nut torque.
Check the rear lower arm nut torque.
Check the torque of the steering tie-rod nut.
Check the rear shock absorber mounting fastener torque.
Check the torque of the stabilizer bar link nut.
Check the torque of the upper arm nut (if equipped).
Is any suspension or steering fastener loose?
Yes
Tighten the fasteners to specification. REFER TO: Front Lower Arm (204-02 Rear Suspension, Removal and Installation). REFER TO: Rear Lower Arm (204-02 Rear Suspension, Removal and Installation). REFER TO: Rear Shock Absorber (204-02 Rear Suspension, Removal and Installation). REFER TO: Rear Stabilizer Bar (204-02 Rear Suspension, Removal and Installation). REFER TO: Rear Stabilizer Bar Link (204-02 Rear Suspension, Removal and Installation). REFER TO: Wheel Knuckle - AWD (204-02 Rear Suspension, Removal and Installation).
No
GO to A3
A3 CHECK THE CONSTANT VELOCITY (CV) JOINT BOOTS AND JOINTS FOR WEAR OR DAMAGE
Inspect the CV joint boots and joints for wear or damage.
Was any damage found?
Yes
Inspect the CV joints and axle shaft. If necessary, replace the components. REFER TO: Rear Axle Shaft (205-05 Rear Axle Shafts, Removal and Installation).
No
Inspect the vehicle for other symptoms related to the driveshafts.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST B: DRIVELINE SHUDDER - OCCURS WHEN VEHICLE STARTS MOVING FORWARD FROM A STOP
Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms
Axle shafts transmit rotational motion through constant velocity (CV) joints. The outboard CV joints use balls, do not have length compensation, and engage the wheel hub splines. The inboard CV joints use balls, have length compensation, and are retained to the differential by a snap ring. The inboard CV joints use balls, have length compensation, and are retained to the differential by a snap ring.
Possible Sources
Loose hub nut
B1 CHECK THE HUB NUT FOR LOOSENESS
Check the hub nut for looseness.
Is any hub nut loose?
Yes
Tighten to specification. REFER TO: Rear Axle Shaft (205-05 Rear Axle Shafts, Removal and Installation). REFER TO: Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly - AWD (204-02 Rear Suspension, Removal and Installation).
No
Inspect the vehicle for other symptoms related to the driveshafts.
B2 CHECK THE TORQUE OF THE SUSPENSION AND STEERING FASTENERS
Check the front lower arm nut torque.
Check the rear lower arm nut torque.
Check the torque of the steering tie-rod nut.
Check the rear shock absorber mounting fastener torque.
Check the torque of the stabilizer bar link nut.
Check the torque of the upper arm nut (if equipped).
Is any suspension or steering fastener loose?
Yes
Tighten the fasteners to specification. REFER TO: Front Lower Arm (204-02 Rear Suspension, Removal and Installation). REFER TO: Rear Lower Arm (204-02 Rear Suspension, Removal and Installation). REFER TO: Rear Shock Absorber (204-02 Rear Suspension, Removal and Installation). REFER TO: Rear Stabilizer Bar (204-02 Rear Suspension, Removal and Installation). REFER TO: Rear Stabilizer Bar Link (204-02 Rear Suspension, Removal and Installation). REFER TO: Wheel Knuckle - AWD (204-02 Rear Suspension, Removal and Installation).
No
GO to B3
B3 CHECK THE CONSTANT VELOCITY (CV) JOINT BOOTS AND JOINTS FOR WEAR OR DAMAGE
Inspect the CV joint boots and joints for wear or damage.
Was any damage found?
Yes
Inspect the CV joints and axle shaft. If necessary, replace the components. REFER TO: Rear Axle Shaft (205-05 Rear Axle Shafts, Removal and Installation).
No
Inspect the vehicle for other symptoms related to the driveshafts.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST C: CLUNK, TYPICALLY ASSOCIATED WITH BACKLASH, OCCURRING DURING ACCELERATION FROM A COMPLETE STOP
Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms
Axle shafts transmit rotational motion through constant velocity (CV) joints. The outboard CV joints use balls, do not have length compensation, and engage the wheel hub splines. The inboard CV joints use balls, have length compensation, and are retained to the differential by a snap ring. The inboard CV joints use balls, have length compensation, and are retained to the differential by a snap ring.
Possible Sources
Constant velocity (CV) joint connection
C1 CHECK THE OUTBOARD CONSTANT VELOCITY (CV) JOINT FOR PROPER SEATING IN THE HUB
Check that the outboard constant velocity joint is properly seated in the hub.
Is the outboard constant velocity (CV) joint properly seated in the hub?
Yes
Inspect the vehicle for other symptoms related to the driveshafts.
No
Repair as necessary. REFER TO: Rear Axle Shaft (205-05 Rear Axle Shafts, Removal and Installation).
DIAGNOSTIC TEST D: DRIVELINE VIBRATION - OCCURS AT CRUISING SPEED
Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms
Axle shafts transmit rotational motion through constant velocity (CV) joints. The outboard CV joints use balls, do not have length compensation, and engage the wheel hub splines. The inboard CV joints use balls, have length compensation, and are retained to the differential by a snap ring. The inboard CV joints use balls, have length compensation, and are retained to the differential by a snap ring.
Possible Sources
Improperly seated constant velocity (CV) joint in the wheel hub
D1 CHECK THE OUTBOARD CONSTANT VELOCITY (CV) JOINT FOR PROPER SEATING IN THE HUB
Check that the outboard CV joint is properly seated in the hub.
Is the outboard constant velocity (CV) joint properly seated in the hub?
Yes
Inspect the vehicle for other symptoms related to the driveshafts.
No
Repair as necessary. REFER TO: Rear Axle Shaft (205-05 Rear Axle Shafts, Removal and Installation). REFER TO: Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly - AWD (204-02 Rear Suspension, Removal and Installation).
Differential Seals
NOTICE: When installing the axle shafts, do not allow the splines to contact the seals during installation, otherwise seal damage may occur.
Axle shaft seals are subject to the same types of damage as pinion seals if installed incorrectly. The seal bore must be clean and the edge free of burrs to avoid cutting or tearing the seal. The seal journal surface must be free of nicks, grooves and rough surface texture.
For differential seal information, refer to: Rear Axle Shaft Seal (205-02 Rear Drive Axle/Differential, Removal and Installation).
?
Test yourself
A quick Ford Escape quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST A: TRANSMISSION SHUDDER - SEVERE SHUDDER ON REVERSE TO DRIVE SHIFT