Bearing or transmission noise

[cyoung2203]

Hi all, im new to this forum..looks excellent.

I have a 2003 UZ V8 Limited Explorer Auto. Did some towing with it recently including a river crossing (40cm max). On the way back, and sice, I have noticed that there is a very slight vibration through the steering wheel / accelerator pedal. Only notice it under driving / acceleration. Seems very smooth when vehicle is decelerating / coasting.

Seems to be there regardless of speed, but more noticeable at lower speeds and doesnt appear under acceleration.

The vehicle has done 45,000 kms so is due for transmission fluid change.

The transmission changes perfectly. Engine is perfect.

It almost feels as though something in the transmission or drive train has worn slightly or become dirty. Seems more noticeable when driving around bends. Any ideas?

I thought it might be front wheel bearings needing a clean and repacking.

Any advice / suggestions GREATLY appreciated. The Ford dealers here in Australia are 90% useless when it comes to these vehicles and as warranty is rappidly running out, would like to make sure that any potential problem is sorted ASAP.

Thanks in advance for your replies / assistance

Craig

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Did you check the U joints, wheel alignment, and balance of all 4 wheels? Maybe one of the tires has a problem called "belt shift". This is when the steel belt goes out of alignment. The tire makes a lot of noise, and vibration.

 

[cyoung2203]

Thanks for the response.

OK...I am new to these vehicles so have to ask...what are the U joints?

The tyres are only 4 months old, Pirelli Scorpion AT's. Excellent tyres and they seem fine. No wheel vibration at all.

It is always difficult to explain / describe these sorts of things in writing, but some more info:

The issue is noticable when you turn the steering wheel slightly from dead centre whilst driving. Also more noticeable in higher gears at low speed, particularly when turning whilst driving.

As I said before, the transmission is functioning perfectly, which makes me suspect the bearings or some other part of the running gear.

Do the bearings on these vehicles need cleaning / greasing at all?

I also noticed in the service manual that the axle's need to have the oil changed if they have been submerged. I am unsure if they were actually submerged or not...but there is no mention of which oil to use for this purpose in the vehicle manuals.

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

Craig

 

[BrooklynBay]

The U joint is the universal joint. I would also recommend greasing the slip yoke. The U joints are located at the end of the driveshaft before the differential, and at the slip yoke.

 

[cyoung2203]

Thanks for that! Will do that on the weekend....

Cheers

Craig