Ford Fiesta Quiz
Transmission

Front Drive Axle Shafts - Diagnosis and Testing

In this manual: Transmission
Service Information — 27Suspension — 48Transmission — 9Brake System — 52Steering — 21Engine — 140Manual Transmission, Clutch, Transfer Case and Power Transfer Unit — 48Exhaust System — 6Fuel System — 21Climate Control System — 58Instrumentation and Warning Systems — 26Battery and Charging System — 20Infotainment Systems — 41Lighting — 29Power Distribution — 11Electronic Function Group — 30Body and Paint — 275Frame and Mounting — 3
4steps
~24min
2/5difficulty
Done 0 of 4

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

Symptom Chart


Condition Possible Sources Action
Axle Whine or Howl - Front of Vehicle
  • Damaged or worn wheel hub bearings
  • CHECK the wheel hub bearing for excessive play or roughness.
    REFER TO: Front Wheel Bearing (204-01 Front Suspension, 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 driveshaft, as necessary.
    REFER TO: Right Front Axle Shaft (205-04 Front Axle Shafts, Removal and Installation).
    REFER TO: Front Axle Shaft, Left (205-04 Front Axle Shafts, Removal and Installation).
  • Loose hub nut
  • CHECK the hub nut torque. REPLACE the hub nut if the torque does not meet specification. For front hub nuts.
    REFER TO: Right Front Axle Shaft (205-04 Front Axle Shafts, Removal and Installation).
    REFER TO: Front Axle Shaft, Left (205-04 Front 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 inboard constant velocity (CV) joint and boot. INSTALL a new axle shaft, if necessary.
    REFER TO: Right Front Axle Shaft (205-04 Front Axle Shafts, Removal and Installation).
    REFER TO: Front Axle Shaft, Left (205-04 Front Axle Shafts, Removal and Installation).
  • Loose hub nut
  • CHECK the wheel hub nut torque. REPLACE the wheel hub nut if the torque does not meet specification.
    REFER TO: Right Front Driveshaft (205-04 Front Driveshafts, Removal and Installation).
    REFER TO: Front Driveshaft, Left (205-04 Front Driveshafts, Removal and Installation).
Transmission shudder - occurs when the vehicle begins to move forward from a stop.
  • Loose hub nut
  • CHECK the wheel hub nut torque. REPLACE the wheel hub nut if the torque does not meet specification.
    REFER TO: Right Front Driveshaft (205-04 Front Driveshafts, Removal and Installation).
    REFER TO: Front Driveshaft, Left (205-04 Front Driveshafts, Removal and Installation).
Clicking, popping or snapping - occurs during vehicle turns.
  • Insufficient or contaminated grease in the constant velocity (CV) joints
  • INSPECT the constant velocity (CV) boots and joints for wear or damage. INSTALL new components as necessary.
    REFER TO: Right Front Driveshaft (205-04 Front Driveshafts, Removal and Installation).
    REFER TO: Front Driveshaft, Left (205-04 Front Driveshafts, 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: Right Front Driveshaft (205-04 Front Driveshafts, Removal and Installation).
    REFER TO: Front Driveshaft, Left (205-04 Front Driveshafts, Removal and Installation).
Transmission vibration - occurs at cruising speeds.
  • Improperly seated constant velocity (CV) joint in the wheel hub
  • CHECK the outboard CV joint for proper fit in the hub. REPAIR as necessary.
    REFER TO: Right Front Driveshaft (205-04 Front Driveshafts, Removal and Installation).
    REFER TO: Front Driveshaft, Left (205-04 Front Driveshafts, Removal and Installation).
    REFER TO: Front Wheel Bearing (204-01 Front Suspension, Removal and Installation).
Grinding noise after removal and reinstallation of the right driveshaft
  • Driveshaft bearing retainer and nut were not discarded and replaced
  • Replace the retaining strap and nuts. If the condition persists, replace the driveshaft, driveshaft bracket, retaining strap and nuts.
    REFER TO: Right Front Driveshaft (205-04 Front Driveshafts, Removal and Installation).

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