Chassis

Driveshaft. Diagnosis and Testing

In this manual: Chassis

3steps

~18min

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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 REVERSE to DRIVE.	Damaged or worn constant velocity (CV) joints	CHECK the constant velocity (CV) joint for wear or damage. INSTALL a new driveshaft if necessary. REFER to: Rear Driveshaft (205-01 Driveshaft, Removal and Installation).
	Driveshaft center bearing support damaged	CHECK the isolator for wear or damage. INSTALL a new driveshaft if necessary. REFER to: Rear Driveshaft (205-01 Driveshaft, Removal and Installation).
Transmission shudder - occurs when the vehicle begins to move forward from a stop.	Worn driveshaft CV joint with excessive play	CHECK the CV joint for wear. INSTALL a new driveshaft if necessary. REFER to: Rear Driveshaft (205-01 Driveshaft, Removal and Installation).
	Driveshaft center bearing support damaged	CHECK the isolator for wear or damage. INSTALL a new driveshaft if necessary. REFER to: Rear Driveshaft (205-01 Driveshaft, Removal and Installation).
Judder - judder is the same during cruise or coast/deceleration.	Incorrect driveline angles	CHECK the driveline angles for correctness. REPAIR as necessary.
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).
Grunt - usually associated with driveline shuck experienced during acceleration from a complete stop.	Driveshaft CV joint binding	INSTALL a new driveshaft if necessary. REFER to: Rear Driveshaft (205-01 Driveshaft, Removal and Installation).
Driveline shudder - occurs during low speed acceleration or stopping.	Driveline angles do not meet specification	CHECK the driveline angles for correctness.
	Binding or damaged driveshaft CV joint	CHECK the driveshaft CV joints and connecting shaft for wear or damage. INSTALL a new driveshaft as necessary. REFER to: Rear Driveshaft (205-01 Driveshaft, Removal and Installation).
Transmission vibration - occurs at cruising speeds.	Worn or damaged driveshaft center bearing support.	CHECK the isolator for damage or wear. CHECK the driveshaft and CHECK for rough operation. INSTALL a new driveshaft if necessary. REFER to: Rear Driveshaft (205-01 Driveshaft, Removal and Installation).
	Axle pinion flange bolts loose	CHECK the axle shaft flange. TIGHTEN the gear flange bolts to specification. REFER to: Rear Driveshaft (205-01 Driveshaft, Removal and Installation).
	Excessive axle pinion flange runout	PERFORM a runout check. REPAIR as necessary.
	Driveshaft out of balance	CHECK the driveshaft for damage, missing balance weights or primer. CHECK the driveshaft balance. PERFORM a driveline vibration check.
	Binding or damaged driveshaft CV joint	CHECK the driveshaft joint for wear or damage. INSTALL a new driveshaft if necessary. REFER to: Rear Driveshaft (205-01 Driveshaft, Removal and Installation).
	Excessive driveshaft runout	PERFORM a runout check.
	Driveline angles do not meet specification	CHECK the driveline angles for correctness. REPAIR as necessary.

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