EricG1793
New Member
- Joined
- October 4, 2019
- Messages
- 6
- Reaction score
- 5
- Location
- Connecticut
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2010 Explorer Eddie Bauer
I'm wondering if anyone's had luck just replacing the CV boots (on the front right shaft in particular). Can the CV joints themselves be removed fairly easily to enable swapping of the boots without forcing the small boot over the joint, or are they not removable/PITA? I do have a press and other tools available.
If it would be advised to replace the entire axle shaft assembly instead, are any aftermarket brands worth considering, or stick with Motorcraft? There are several available on Rock Auto, ranging from $45 to $70 (the $70 being the only brand I've ever seen around, Cardone).
The backstory is my friends and I were looking around under my 2010 EB 4.6 4WD with 192k miles trying to find the cause of a slight vibration, faintly audible, mostly felt through the steering wheel, that occurs between 55 and 65 MPH (which is the speed range I travel in most of the time). It does it in a straight line and seems to get slightly worse when turning the wheel even slightly in either direction. We noticed that the front right axle wasn't fully seated in the front diff (was maybe 3/8" out, possibly a mistake when swapping the steering rack [which still leaks... it's a Motorcraft reman]) and attempted to hammer it in farther, but tore through the inner CV joint boot in the process. The boots seemed fine before that otherwise. Any pointers on that vibration would be appreciated, too.
I have it scheduled for Fluid Filming the week after next, so I want to hurry up and fix this (along with replacing the muffler and possibly the radiator) before that happens.
Thank you in advance!
Eric
If it would be advised to replace the entire axle shaft assembly instead, are any aftermarket brands worth considering, or stick with Motorcraft? There are several available on Rock Auto, ranging from $45 to $70 (the $70 being the only brand I've ever seen around, Cardone).
The backstory is my friends and I were looking around under my 2010 EB 4.6 4WD with 192k miles trying to find the cause of a slight vibration, faintly audible, mostly felt through the steering wheel, that occurs between 55 and 65 MPH (which is the speed range I travel in most of the time). It does it in a straight line and seems to get slightly worse when turning the wheel even slightly in either direction. We noticed that the front right axle wasn't fully seated in the front diff (was maybe 3/8" out, possibly a mistake when swapping the steering rack [which still leaks... it's a Motorcraft reman]) and attempted to hammer it in farther, but tore through the inner CV joint boot in the process. The boots seemed fine before that otherwise. Any pointers on that vibration would be appreciated, too.
I have it scheduled for Fluid Filming the week after next, so I want to hurry up and fix this (along with replacing the muffler and possibly the radiator) before that happens.
Thank you in advance!
Eric