This shake is driving me crazy!!!

[1996BLKBauer]

OK so my 96' EB AWD Explorer is driving me crazy. It seems just at random points it has a very rapid shake in steering wheel. It seems to do it while in the speed range of 35-45 MPH. Other then that there is nothing, other then the shake from the rear I can sort of feel. I am suspecting new U-Joints may be in order both front, and rear? But before I go all crazy doing all that work on both front and rear driveshafts, I would like some input, anybody had this problem.

I am suspecting something in the drive line due to the fact that I also feel a shaking while going from a stop sign as well. I have already changed the rear diff fluid, if that make a difference, should I try doing the transfercase, and front diff before I go crazy on a bunch of mechanical work?

Any help or advice, would be great.

 

[swetrid]

I would suspect rear ujoints first.

 

[yavapaires]

Check your tire balance, especially if shake occurs between 35~45 mph

 

[Joe Dirt]

Check your other thread...

 

[oblivionboyj]

I had a really similar problem in my '97 AWD this last fall.
The problem would present in the 50 to 55 range in my case though.
It was also accompanied by a low hum that seemed to come from the left front wheel.
For the most part it had no effect on how the truck drove though.
Comming back on 80 from OH on the eastern downside of the Appalachians going into a sweeping left there was a "pop" and the truck had a bit of drift into corners.
Turns out my left front wheel bearing was shot and had almost entirely failed.
The wheel had around 3" of play when up on a jack.
Had the bearing replaced and there has been no noise, and no shimmy since.
The drift was a result of the wheel trying to find center in all that play.
Hope there is something useful for you in there

 

[1996BLKBauer]

I did a tire balance during my last week of Auto's class this semester. I actually had the wheels, and tired road balanced. So Balancing is not an issue.

I did, check the other thread, and I will try the PS purge.

Wheel bearing seem to be OK, had it on the lift in class a few times over the semester, and checked the bearing, with the old moving the wheel, I also checked the ball joints, and tie rod ends for play. My teacher sort of made my truck a test bed to show how to check for play in certain areas.

 

[mariozoldos]

The front ball joint on the front drive shaft is going bad on mine causing my shake.....COMMOM PROBLEN ON LIFTED TRUCKS...

I did a tire balance during my last week of Auto's class this semester. I actually had the wheels, and tired road balanced. So Balancing is not an issue.

I did, check the other thread, and I will try the PS purge.

Wheel bearing seem to be OK, had it on the lift in class a few times over the semester, and checked the bearing, with the old moving the wheel, I also checked the ball joints, and tie rod ends for play. My teacher sort of made my truck a test bed to show how to check for play in certain areas.

 

[mariozoldos]

take the front drive shaft off see if the problen goes away........