Rear noise 03 XLT

[ExploGoldRob]

I'm getting a speed-related rumble from the rear (right?) that I suspect may be a wheel bearing? Just want to know if anyone has a definitive suggestion before I go about this? Thanks.

 

[Razzierb]

Yep .. on my 03, I had the same thing. On mine at least, it was the driveshaft. I think they call the repair, re-indexing the driveshaft (they turn it slightly ... likely weight it ..). The repair did change mine to the point that I sort of quit worrying about it. Also, I recall that there was a TSB for 2003 that has a part number for a finely balanced driveshaft. Wish it had come my way, but they sure didn't offer it up under warranty.

Best,
Razz

 

[ExploGoldRob]

Thanks for the tip. This is the first malfunction I've had on this vehicle in 4 years. It seems to only be audible at slower speeds, 20mph to stop. Goes away at higher speeds.

 

[Razzierb]

Thanks for the tip. This is the first malfunction I've had on this vehicle in 4 years. It seems to only be audible at slower speeds, 20mph to stop. Goes away at higher speeds.

Mine did the rumble / vibration thing between 63 and 66 mph. Reindexing the driveshaft didn't make it completely go away, but it did lessen the degree of vibration to a level that you frankly have to know its there to notice it.

By the way, the dealer never admitted that they found evidence of this problem, but they seemed to know exactly how to fix it. My guess, given the existence of the TSB, is that a some percentage of the early 2003 cars had this problem. Go figure.