Vibration When Accelerating

[pearjas]

Hi everyone,
Last year or so, I had all ball joints replaced in my 2003 Explorer Sport. I noticed afterwards there was a slight 'vibration' coming from the back when accelerating from a stop. It really wasn't significant and with the age of the vehicle, I just continued on. The problem has definitely gotten worse. It doesn't hamper my ability to drive but it's definitely annoying. I don't notice this occurring when driving normally but only after starting from a stop.

Possibly unrelated, I've also began hearing a squeaking noise coming from what appears to be one of the back tires which seems to be worse when I turn left. This is just brand new, within the last couple of days. It could have been something random as we've had a lot of rain lately, but I just thought I'd mention it in case. I obviously need to get a hold of my mechanic but I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts to what the vibration/shaking might be.

 

[wollimann]

Hi,

if you hadn't mentioned that the vibrations occurred after replacing the joints,
my first thought was it could be a bad shaft U-joint.
Same behavior
- first slight vibration, not to feel in steering wheel
- vibration getting worse over the time, feeling in your seat, location diagnose from the rear
- bad vibration starting from a stop, at the end stage with squeaking
If there are any signs of rust the u-joint is dry and worn.

Any vibration comes from rotation, every worn bearing/u-joint can cause this.
A bad wheel alignment could cause vibration too. Maybe the wheel alignment was not at 100%
after changing all ball joints, any unnormal tire wear?
Good luck to find the annoying vibration, know them well, so thumbs up.

 

[SofaKing95]

I'll chime in with worn rear axle shaft bearing(s)...although my first pick would be to go after the u-joints, per above.

Out of balance wheels can also cause vibration, especially if the wheel threw off it's wheel weights -- but this sounds unlikely in your situ.

 

[pearjas]

Thank you for the responses! I will take a look at that.