Ford Explorer Quiz
Chassis

Diagnosis and Testing - Driveshaft

In this manual: Chassis
General Information — 41Chassis — 173Powertrain — 250Electrical — 303Body and Paint — 331
3steps
~18min
2/5difficulty
Done 0 of 3

Preliminary Inspection

  1. Visually inspect the CV joints for obvious signs of mechanical damage.
  2. If an obvious cause for the observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.
  3. 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 Possible Sources Action
Transmission Clunk - Loud Clunk When Shifting From PARK or REVERSE to DRIVE
  • Driveshaft flex coupling, CV joint and/or U-joint damaged or worn
  • INSPECT the propeller shaft flexible coupling, CV joint and/or U-joint for wear or damage. INSTALL a new flexible coupling or propeller shaft, if necessary.
    REFER TO: Driveshaft Flexible Coupling (205-01 Driveshaft, Removal and Installation).
    REFER TO: Rear Propeller Shaft (205-01 Propeller Shaft, Removal and Installation).
  • Driveshaft retaining ring not installed, damaged or worn
  • INSPECT the propeller shaft CV joint-to-rear axle connection for excessive play. Reinstall the CV joint on the axle or INSTALL a new propeller shaft retaining ring on the axle.
    REFER TO: Rear Propeller Shaft (205-01 Propeller Shaft, Removal and Installation).
    REFER TO: Front Propeller Shaft (205-01 Propeller Shaft, Removal and Installation).
  • Driveshaft center bearing worn or damaged.
  • INSPECT the center bearing insulator for damage or tears. INSTALL a new center bearing, if necessary.
    REFER TO: Driveshaft Center Bearing (205-01 Driveshaft, Disassembly and Assembly).
Transmission shudder - occurs when the vehicle begins to move forward from a stop.
  • Propeller shaft flexible coupling, CV joint and/or U-joint worn with excessive play
  • INSPECT the driveshaft flexible coupling, CV joint and/or U-joint for wear. INSTALL a new flexible coupling or propeller shaft, if necessary.
    REFER TO: Driveshaft Flexible Coupling (205-01 Driveshaft, Removal and Installation).
    REFER TO: Rear Propeller Shaft (205-01 Propeller Shaft, Removal and Installation).
  • Driveshaft retaining ring not installed, damaged or worn
  • INSPECT the propeller shaft CV joint-to-rear axle connection for excessive play. Reinstall the CV joint on the axle or INSTALL a new propeller shaft retaining ring on the axle.
    REFER TO: Rear Propeller Shaft (205-01 Propeller Shaft, Removal and Installation).
    REFER TO: Front Propeller Shaft (205-01 Propeller Shaft, Removal and Installation).
  • Driveshaft center bearing worn or damaged.
  • INSPECT the center bearing insulator for damage or tears. INSTALL a new center bearing, if necessary.
    REFER TO: Driveshaft Center Bearing (205-01 Driveshaft, Disassembly and Assembly).
Judder - judder is the same during cruise or coast/deceleration.
  • Incorrect driveline angles
  • INSPECT the propeller shaft angles for correctness. REPAIR as necessary.
    REFER TO: Driveshaft Angle Measurement (205-01 Driveshaft, General Procedures).
Whine – noise occurs at low vehicle speeds.
  • Driveshaft slip joint boot damaged and/or out of position, rubbing against the center bearing
  • INSPECT the condition of the rear and front propeller shaft slip joint boots. REPLACE the rear and front propeller shaft slip joint boots as necessary.
    REFER TO: Rear Propeller Shaft Slip Yoke Boot (205-01 Propeller Shaft, Removal and Installation).
    REFER TO: Front Driveshaft Slip Yoke Boot (205-01 Driveshaft, Removal and Installation).
Thump or boom - noise occurs on coast/deceleration, usually related to driveshaft rotational speed and noticeable over a wide speed range.
  • Driveshaft out of balance
  • INSPECT the driveshaft for damage, missing balance weights or undercoat. INSTALL a new propeller shaft, if necessary.
    REFER TO: Rear Propeller Shaft (205-01 Propeller Shaft, Removal and Installation).
  • Center bearing worn or damaged.
  • INSPECT the center bearing insulator for damage and excessive bearing wear/play. INSTALL a new center bearing, if necessary.
    REFER TO: Driveshaft Center Bearing (205-01 Driveshaft, Disassembly and Assembly).
  • Pilot or centering bushing worn or damaged.
  • INSPECT the pilot or centering bushing for wear or damage. INSTALL a new pilot or centering bushing, as necessary.
    REFER TO: Driveshaft Alignment Bushing (205-01 Driveshaft, Disassembly and Assembly).
Grunt - usually associated with driveline shuck experienced during acceleration from a complete stop.
  • Driveshaft CV joint and/or U-joint
  • INSPECT the propeller shaft CV joint and/or U-joint and connecting shaft for wear or damage. INSTALL a new rear propeller shaft and propeller shaft U-joint, as necessary.
    REFER TO: Rear Propeller Shaft (205-01 Propeller Shaft, Removal and Installation).
    REFER TO: Propeller Shaft U-Joint (205-01 Propeller Shaft, Disassembly and Assembly).
  • Propeller shaft splines seizing
  • INSPECT the splines for galling. LUBRICATE the splines with grease, as necessary.
    REFER TO: Rear Propeller Shaft Slip Yoke Boot (205-01 Propeller Shaft, Removal and Installation).
    REFER TO: Front Driveshaft Slip Yoke Boot (205-01 Driveshaft, Removal and Installation).
Driveline shudder - occurs during low speed acceleration or stopping.
  • Driveline angles do not meet specification
  • INSPECT the propeller shaft angles for correctness.
    REFER TO: Driveshaft Angle Measurement (205-01 Driveshaft, General Procedures).
  • Propeller shaft CV joint and/or U-joint seizing or damaged
  • INSPECT the propeller shaft CV joint and/or U-joint and connecting shaft for wear or damage. INSTALL a new rear propeller shaft and propeller shaft U-joint, as necessary.
    REFER TO: Rear Propeller Shaft (205-01 Propeller Shaft, Removal and Installation).
    REFER TO: Propeller Shaft U-Joint (205-01 Propeller Shaft, Disassembly and Assembly).
  • Propeller shaft splines seizing
  • INSPECT the splines for galling. LUBRICATE the splines with grease, as necessary.
    REFER TO: Rear Propeller Shaft Slip Yoke Boot (205-01 Propeller Shaft, Removal and Installation).
    REFER TO: Front Driveshaft Slip Yoke Boot (205-01 Driveshaft, Removal and Installation).
Transmission vibration - occurs at cruising speeds.
  • Loose propeller shaft center bearing support, flexible coupling or flange bolts
  • INSPECT the center bearing bracket, flexible coupling and flange bolt torque.
    REFER TO: Rear Propeller Shaft (205-01 Propeller Shaft, Removal and Installation).
  • Worn or damaged driveshaft center bearing support.
  • INSPECT the insulator for damage or wear. INSPECT the propeller shaft and check it for rough operation. INSTALL a new center bearing or driveshaft, if necessary.
    REFER TO: Driveshaft Center Bearing (205-01 Driveshaft, Disassembly and Assembly).
    REFER TO: Rear Propeller Shaft (205-01 Propeller Shaft, Removal and Installation).
  • Pilot or centering bushing worn or damaged.
  • INSPECT the pilot or centering bushing for wear or damage. INSTALL a new pilot or centering bushing, as necessary.
    REFER TO: Driveshaft Alignment Bushing (205-01 Driveshaft, Disassembly and Assembly).
  • Excessive axle pinion shaft runout
  • MEASURE the pinion shaft runout at the retaining ring groove with a dial indicator while rotating the drive pinion. REPAIR as necessary.
    REFER TO: Specifications (205-01 Driveshaft, Specifications).
  • Excessive transmission (4x2) or transfer case (4x4) output shaft flange, flexible coupling or output shaft runout
  • Measure the output shaft runout with a dial indicator while rotating the output flange in neutral.
    REFER TO: Specifications (205-01 Driveshaft, Specifications).
  • Driveshaft out of balance
  • INSPECT the driveshaft for damage, missing balance weights or undercoat. CHECK the driveshaft balance. Reinstall the rear propeller shaft 180° relative to the axle pinion flange (yellow dot opposite).
    REFER TO: Driveshaft Runout and Balance (205-01 Driveshaft, General Procedures).
    PERFORM a driveline vibration check.
  • Propeller shaft flexible coupling, CV joint and/or U-joint seizing or damaged
  • INSPECT the driveshaft flexible coupling, the rear driveshaft CV joint and the front driveshaft universal joint for wear or damage. INSTALL a new flexible coupling or rear driveshaft if necessary. INSTALL the front driveshaft U-joint if necessary.
    REFER TO: Driveshaft Flexible Coupling (205-01 Driveshaft, Removal and Installation).
    REFER TO: Rear Driveshaft (205-01 Driveshaft, Removal and Installation).
    REFER TO: Driveshaft Universal Joint (205-01 Driveshaft, Disassembly and Assembly).
  • Excessive driveshaft runout
  • PERFORM the runout check.
    REFER TO: Driveshaft Runout and Balance (205-01 Driveshaft, General Procedures).
  • Driveline angles do not meet specification
  • INSPECT the propeller shaft angles for correctness. REPAIR as necessary.
    REFER TO: Driveshaft Angle Measurement (205-01 Driveshaft, General Procedures).

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