Vibration problem

[MiguelH]

Hi,

well, i really tried to find some answers in search option, but with no good results.

When i accelerate my X between 15-40 mph the whole truck vibes, it feels even in the seats, front and back.
Why? i don't know. When started? four mounths ago.
I'm sure is not about some crash or hit under the truck, is not 4x4, it's ok, wheels are balanced, all are ok too .

Technician from tires shop, he told me maybe could be cardan bar, i don't know exactly the english term to this bar. Now i'm looking for a car shop specialized in this matter. But if anyone of you knows or thinks could be another thing please let me know, it will be apreciated.

Thanks for your help.

 

[onelasttry]

since you verified your tires dont have belt problems and are balanced it's time to check your driveshaft and suspention components. start with the sway bars and steering linkages and check for worn components, then go and try to wiggle the driveshaft for play. if all this seems normal, have the driveshaft checked for possibly being out of round.

 

[MiguelH]

hi onelasttry, je! nice nickname, thanks for your quick advise

i guess we are talking about the same thing, driveshaft is the cardan bar to me, so i checked about to wiggle the driveshaft for play, and yes, it has a little bit of play, i can turn it maybe 1/8", how normal is it?
U-joints looks fine.
In repair shop i think they are going to take a look about all the drive line.
Tomorrow is holyday in México, non working day, afternoon friday i will comment to you what happen with this thing of vibration.

 

[MEXEXP]

Miguel, I had the same problem with my explorer, and the problem was that the driveshaft (flecha) had a small bump on it, instead of buying a new one, I bought a complete one at a Yunkyard for $40.00, so good luck and look for a dimple or a small bump on it, doesn't matter how small it is, when the centrifugal force go up on the drive shaft it multiplies the problem.

Hope to help and "Buena suerte"

 

[MiguelH]

thank you mexexp,

in fact, i asked today in a cardan bar repair shop, about this problem, they cannot do the job of repair because it´s a special machine or equipment to make the realingment, they have it for other models but not for explorers. Anyway, they tell me about other shops but until friday i could find out.

So, now my question is, it is suitable repair a damaged driveshaft? because this is my first option, second option would be looking for in a yunkyard (more complicated).

 

[MEXEXP]

No, Just find one the same length if it's 2wd find the same one I did and it was cheaper than reparing the damaged one?

Mine was damaged because I bought my explorer at a Car auction and they move the cars with forklift and one of the blades touched the driveshaft.

 

[MiguelH]

At least!

now my X is running normal.

Yes, the problem was the driveshaft, it was out of balance and the U-joints were very damaged (worn U-joints). As per technician words, life of u-joints is aprox. 50k mi, mines they have 134k miles, now i know it.

For stats, cost of repairing work: $85 USD, includes labor and replaced pieces, time: 4 hrs.

Ok, now i feel happy and safe. Tomorrow i have a 6hr trip to my city and it was important fix my X.

Thank you for your advices to onelasttry and MEXEXP, i really apreciat it. I hope this thread be useful for someone else.

Una pregunta, MEXEXP usted habla español? si es así Gracias y es un gusto conocerlo!. Tenía razón respecto a que era mas barato cambiar la pieza completa pero me urgía reparar y asi fue mas rápido, espero no tener problemas mas adelante.

 

[MEXEXP]

Claro Miguel, si hablo espanol soy de Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico y asi como tu tengo el gusto de tener explorers
(sorry for all you guys)