vibration worse after doing u joints

[mikejane53]

Hi, Vibration or some kinda chatter started about 3 months ago on 94 4dr explorer above 55mph when you floated the gas,,, meaning I did not have my foot on gas or off.. just floating. replaced front hubs, repacked bearings, new brakes, balanced tires.... No change Next I read here to check drive shaft u joints.. I had them replaced and now the vibration is more pronounced. one thing I noticed was the shaft coming out of the transfer is kinda loose.. how much play should that have? what should I try next????

 

[mikejane53]

Hi,, I want to add one more item... there is also some slight play in the drive shaft itself. that is the rod that allow the shaft to extend or compress. not sure what it is called.. it is covered by a boot towards the front section of drive shaft.. when I try to twist that back an forth there is a little play/clunking in there.. should there be any ???

btw: the car has 134k miles on it..

thanks, Mike

 

[MrShorty]

If I've understood the nature of the play you're describing, I would say it shouldn't be there. My Explorer's in the shop right now, but on my BII, there is no play in the output yoke of the transfer case, nor is there any play in the slip yoke (the part that allows the driveshaft to extend or compress).

 

[mikejane53]

I didn't think there should be any play... does anyone know if there is a bearing at the back of the transfer case that I can change without needing all kinds of special tools. Is this a job for a p/t mechanic... or a professional..


drives shaft... what are my options.. am I looking at a new/used one or can this unit be fixed....

thanks very much for reply....

 

[Dan Whitaker]

There is not a bearing on the tail shaft of the transfer case. I woyld replace the seal however. The rod you are refering to is called a slip yoke .
There are splines on the inside of the slip yoke and on the out side of the transfer case's tail shaft. I would say the splines on the slip yoke are probably worn and causing your vibration.
A slip yoke will probably run $30-$40.
One more thing. Make sure to put a little grease on the splines.

 

[Rick]

There is a bearing on the output of the T-case on the '91-'94. There has to be a bearing or bushing no matter the year. Either way it's something that could wear.

You should be able to replace the bearing yourself. Check out a Chiltons. I think they have a blow up of the t-case.

There shouldn't be any side to slide play in your slip yoke. I can't remember if there is a grease fitting on the stock driveshaft. If there is grease it up.

 

[mikejane53]

update: added grease to drive shaft....

I finally got around to adding grease to drive shaft now the vibration has a dull sound... moving the yoke around it sure seems to hava a lot of play where it goes into the transfer case. do I go for a drive shaft first or transfer case bearing. ???

 

[Rick]

Try to tighten the nut on the transfer case flange. It should be like 150 ft lbs... That occasionally comes loose allowing slop.

 

[mikejane53]

Wow... thanks for that fast response... I will tighten during the weeks.. let you know....


hey... someone mentioned that I can buy just a slip yoke for my drive shaft... won't that throw off the drive shaft balance all together ??


MIke