U-Joints and Drive Shaft

[Jim Galloway]

I have a 93 XLT explorer that vibrates terribly and makes a lot of friction noise at speeds over 45mph. The truck also often makes a clucking noise when I release the clutch in 1st or 2nd gear. I checked out my u-joints and both front and rear have a lot of play in them. I don't have a lot of $ to put into repairs and mostly want the vibrations and noise fixed. Besides the clunking noise, would worn u-joints cause a lot of vibration and noise? How much should it cost to get both u-joints replaced? Thanks a lot.Jim

 

[Brian1]

Welcome to the site Jim! You will find a wealth of info here. U-joints themselves are not very expensive probably about $20 or less for 2. I dont know how much for labor because I changed mine myself. It is easy to do all you need is a socket and a c-clamp and some needle nose pliers or snap ring pliers.

Have you tried greasing them first to see if that helps? Also the slip joint in the driveshaft could be causing your clunking sound.

As far as the vibrating, it could be a number of things such as your tires need balancing, you need an alignment, it could also be the u-joints. Many Explorer owners as well as myself have had vibrations. I did a number of things before the vibrations went away. Hope this answers some of your questions.