cropduster
New Member
- Joined
- August 14, 2020
- Messages
- 6
- Reaction score
- 5
- City, State
- Seattle, WA
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2005 Explorer XLT
Hello, everyone.
I have just replaced both rear driveshaft u-joints on a 2005 4x4 Explorer V6 (it had some of the symptoms, like clunking when engaging Reverse). I installed the heavy duty non-greasable Spicer ones recommended by RockAuto, and I used a ball joint press.
After re-installing the driveshaft (I marked flanges, yokes and the shaft, so I'm sure it went in exactly as it came out), my Explorer developed a new vibration that starts around 35MPH and is /very/ strong around 50MPH.
I removed the driveshaft again, hit yokes and driveshaft with a rubber mallet (just in case one of the u-joints was binding), re-assembled, same vibration.
I took her to a local mechanic, who told me the driveshaft is shot, won't be able to be balanced and needs replacing. I took her to a different mechanic and he told me that the driveshaft is not bent, but the slip joint in the middle of the shaft is loose and flexing too much (which I didn't even know was possible). The 2nd mechanic recommended me to go to a driveline specialist to double check.
How does this sound? Is the slip joint (which is behind a rubber boot) serviceable? What else could have happened? Both mechanics told me the u-joints are good and the installation was good (so at least my pride is not hurt).
Thanks!
I have just replaced both rear driveshaft u-joints on a 2005 4x4 Explorer V6 (it had some of the symptoms, like clunking when engaging Reverse). I installed the heavy duty non-greasable Spicer ones recommended by RockAuto, and I used a ball joint press.
After re-installing the driveshaft (I marked flanges, yokes and the shaft, so I'm sure it went in exactly as it came out), my Explorer developed a new vibration that starts around 35MPH and is /very/ strong around 50MPH.
I removed the driveshaft again, hit yokes and driveshaft with a rubber mallet (just in case one of the u-joints was binding), re-assembled, same vibration.
I took her to a local mechanic, who told me the driveshaft is shot, won't be able to be balanced and needs replacing. I took her to a different mechanic and he told me that the driveshaft is not bent, but the slip joint in the middle of the shaft is loose and flexing too much (which I didn't even know was possible). The 2nd mechanic recommended me to go to a driveline specialist to double check.
How does this sound? Is the slip joint (which is behind a rubber boot) serviceable? What else could have happened? Both mechanics told me the u-joints are good and the installation was good (so at least my pride is not hurt).
Thanks!