Ford Explorer Quiz
Chassis

Front Driveshafts Diagnosis and Testing

In this manual: Chassis
General Information — 41Chassis — 173Powertrain — 250Electrical — 303Body and Paint — 331
4steps
~24min
2/5difficulty
Done 0 of 4

Operating Principles

Inspection and Verification

  1. Verify the customer concern.
  2. Visually check for obvious signs of mechanical or electrical damage.
  3. If an obvious cause for the observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.
  4. If the cause is not visually apparent, verify the symptom and refer to the Symptom Chart.

Symptom Chart: NVH

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).


NVH Symptom Chart


Condition Possible Sources Action
Front Axle Howl or Whine
  • Damaged or worn wheel hub bearings
  • CHECK the wheel hub bearing for excessive play or roughness.
    REFER TO: Front Wheel Bearing and Wheel Hub (204-01B Front Suspension - Four Wheel Drive, Removal and Installation).
Transmission clunk - loud clunk when shifting from REVERSE to DRIVE.
  • Damaged or worn constant velocity (CV) joints
  • CHECK the constant velocity (CV) joint for wear or damage. INSTALL a new axle shaft or propeller shaft as necessary.
    REFER TO: Axle Shaft (205-04 Front Drive Axle Shafts, Removal and Installation).
  • Loose hub nut
  • CHECK the hub nut torque. REPLACE the hub nut if the torque is not within specification. For the front hub nuts.
    REFER TO: Front Wheel Bearing and Wheel Hub (204-01B Front Suspension - Four Wheel Drive, Removal and Installation).
    REFER TO: Axle Shaft (205-04 Front Drive Axle Shafts, Removal and Installation).
Transmission Clunk - Occurs during acceleration or from cruise to coast/deceleration.
  • Damaged or worn constant velocity (CV) joints
  • CHECK the inner constant velocity (CV) joint and boot. INSTALL a new axle shaft if necessary.
    REFER TO: Axle Shaft (205-04 Front Drive Axle Shafts, Removal and Installation).
  • Loose hub nut
  • CHECK the hub nut torque. REPLACE the hub nut if the torque is not within specification.
    REFER TO: Axle Shaft (205-04 Front Drive Axle Shafts, Removal and Installation).
    REFER TO: Front Wheel Bearing and Wheel Hub (204-01B Front Suspension - Four Wheel Drive, Removal and Installation).
Transmission shudder - occurs when the vehicle begins to move forward from a stop.
  • Loose hub nut
  • Damaged or Worn CV Joints
  • CHECK the hub nut torque. REPLACE the hub nut if the torque is not within specification.
    REFER TO: Axle Shaft (205-04 Front Drive Axle Shafts, Removal and Installation).
Clicking, popping or snapping - occurs during vehicle turns.
  • Insufficient or contaminated grease in the constant velocity (CV) joints
  • CHECK the constant velocity (CV) boots and joints for wear or damage. INSTALL new components as necessary.
    REFER TO: Axle Shaft (205-04 Front Drive Axle Shafts, Removal and Installation).
  • Another component contacting the axle shaft
  • INSPECT the axle shafts and the area around the axle shafts. REPAIR as necessary.
Grunt - usually associated with shudder occurring on acceleration after a complete stop.
  • Constant velocity (CV) joint connection
  • CHECK the outboard constant velocity (CV) joint for proper fit in the hub. REPAIR as necessary.
    REFER TO: Axle Shaft (205-04 Front Drive Axle Shafts, Removal and Installation).

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