Vibration issue, help needed.

[bmlawson2003]

I have a 01 explorer xlt 4x4, 144000 miles. I'm getting a vibration that has me stumped. Just as a backup info, the explorer has a new low mile engine, new front end and fresh alignment. Also tires were just balanced. So the vibration starts when the explorer is in gear. When in park it idles smooth as glass, but when placed in drive you start to feel a little bit of a vibration. The vibration increases with speed, and is at its worst at around 65. The vibration started shortly after the engine install. Also there is a rattle that started also at the same time the vibration began. It sound almost like an exhaust rattle. I have went over every but and bolt twice ensuring that all is tight. When I removed the starter to check and tighten the converter nuts I noticed what appeared to be a hairline crack in the flywheel about an inch long and about two inches from the starter gear. Do you guys think what I'm feeling is related to the flywheel being cracked or out of balance? I'm at a loss right now. Thanks

 

[killer.jensen]

Need a bit more info. Do you have stock or aftermarket wheels? When you say it is speed related, Is it vehicle speed related or does it relate to engine speed?

 

[deweyville65]

I have a 01 explorer xlt 4x4, 144000 miles. I'm getting a vibration that has me stumped. Just as a backup info, the explorer has a new low mile engine, new front end and fresh alignment. Also tires were just balanced. So the vibration starts when the explorer is in gear. When in park it idles smooth as glass, but when placed in drive you start to feel a little bit of a vibration. The vibration increases with speed, and is at its worst at around 65. The vibration started shortly after the engine install. Also there is a rattle that started also at the same time the vibration began. It sound almost like an exhaust rattle. I have went over every but and bolt twice ensuring that all is tight. When I removed the starter to check and tighten the converter nuts I noticed what appeared to be a hairline crack in the flywheel about an inch long and about two inches from the starter gear. Do you guys think what I'm feeling is related to the flywheel being cracked or out of balance? I'm at a loss right now. Thanks

If you have a cracked flexplate, you have surely found the rattle, and I am sure the vibration. Change it soon, before you have more than a vibration and rattle. As I am sure you know, there is no strain on the flex plate in park or neutral, but there is a strain on it as soon as you put it in gear.

 

[bmlawson2003]

The noise and vibration come and go with vehicle speed. The vibration doesn't stop when the vehicle is idling in gear but is far less noticable

 

[bmlawson2003]

Also I took the front driveshaft off to see if that would help and it still the same

 

[swshawaii]

Harmonic Balancer?

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=267709
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=292100

 

[bmlawson2003]

I'll check it out.

 

[killer.jensen]

The noise and vibration come and go with vehicle speed. The vibration doesn't stop when the vehicle is idling in gear but is far less noticable

I agree with dewyville, that it probably is your flexplate. But if you have aftermarket rims and they are not hubcentric they could cause some issue.