Vibration/Shaking when Accelerating

[jenetik]

Hello all, I have a 2000 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer (V8/302/AWD) and I have recently noticed that the front end (possibly) is vibrating/shaking when accelerating. If I let off the gas, the vibration seems to stop, but as soon as I hit the gas it starts to shake again. It gets worse the faster I go, it doesn't really vibrate from 0-20mph.

I put the car into neutral at about 70mph and there is no vibration when I give it gas, but as soon as I put it back into overdrive, the shaking happens again. It also vibrates when I am in 1st and 2nd manual.

I am trying to rule out the tires because they lose air pressure (due to the rust on the beads and I can't keep a seal). I know I probably need ball joints replaced, but have read some previous posts that it could be a U joint or "CV" problem? I'm not sure what CV means or how I would narrow down the problems... Thanks for your help!

 

[techieman33]

The cv is short for constant velocity joints that are in your front axles and driveshaft. I would start first by taking your front driveshaft out as it's a pretty common point of failure. To remove it you'll need to take out 6 8mm bolts on the back end, a ratchet wrench works well for that. And you'll need to remove 4 torx bolts from the front side of it. They're t27, or t30. After that check you cv axles, look for tears in the boots, etc.

 

[jenetik]

Thanks for defining the CV acronym. I assume I need a lift to get at the driveshaft.. I don't have one and don't have two jacks (not that I want to work under the car with jacks really).. thanks for your help.. probably will end up taking it into a mechanic to diagnose or fix it.. any idea what kinda repair/labor costs I might be looking at if the driveshaft is worn?

Also, is there some sort of free AllData or schematics on the web I can use to find the procedure for the driveshaft? I have no idea what I'm looking for and I'm somewhat mechanically declined when it comes to this sorta stuff...

Thanks again!

 

[techieman33]

it is possible to get the driveshaft out without lifting the truck up, it all just depends on how big you are, and if you can crawl under your explorer. I'm not sure how much the axle costs but probably not over $200, and it's shouldn't be more than an hour of labor, it's only a 10 minute job to replace it, plus diagnosis time.

 

[jenetik]

Yep, I can fit under there usually and have the tools to do it.. I'd have to buy a new axle/driveshaft to rule that problem out probably right? I'll try to look up the alldata instructions at the library for it.. thanks a lot for your help man!

I love this forum.. you guys are pros..

 

[techieman33]

you can drive without the front drive shaft in it for short periods of time to diagnose it. How long is debatable, but driving a few miles won't be an issue. So take it out and drive it around, if the vibration goes away then it's your driveshaft.

 

[jenetik]

Thanks again techman!

 

[clinton419]

I wish people would repost what the problem was when they had it fixed. I am having the same problem and now i have to diagnose it when that person already knows the answer lol.

 

[yavapaires]

I wish people would repost what the problem was when they had it fixed. I am having the same problem and now i have to diagnose it when that person already knows the answer lol.

Your problem may NOT have the same remedy. Then who would you blame?????????

 

[jenetik]

Problem was fixed due to bad front ball joint and had an alignment done as well.