vibration

[C. Parent]

I have a 91 E-350 which purrs up to 65 mph. and then starts to vibrate. I had the front tires balanced and they are fine. I don't think it is a wheel bearing , doesn't seem to have the on and off hum. The vibration is coming from the bottom center of the van. I was worried it was the torque converter on the e40d but it was rebuilt 1 yr ago and works perfect. When I put it in neutral above 65 the vibration doesn't change and it is a little worse under low load conditions. I am hoping it is just a u-joint or bushing. Should I just remove the driveshaft and check joints or is there an eaiser way to diagnose. I can't drive 60 forever although it would help my mileage. Any responses would be great.

[HeyBob]

I had a problem similar to that once, no one could figure it out.

Then one afternoon as I was turning into my parking lot the rear wheels locked up.

$1500.00 later my problem was solved, new ring and pinion, the dealer said it must have been the pinion bearing causing the vibration, and finally the gears broke.

It never made a sound, no whine, no clunk,
nothing....Good luck

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cogito ergo zoom

98 E-350 Cargo van PSD
99 E-350 Clubwagon XLT PSD
Emerald Green, Factory aluminum
wheels, I found em at a garage sale
for $400.00
Three screaming kids in back seat, noise from engine drowns them out!
Don't ya just love it?

[HeyBob]

I thought I read that you did check the u joints, check them first....my mistake

------------------
cogito ergo zoom

98 E-350 Cargo van PSD
99 E-350 Clubwagon XLT PSD
Emerald Green, Factory aluminum
wheels, I found em at a garage sale
for $400.00
Three screaming kids in back seat, noise from engine drowns them out!
Don't ya just love it?

[Towmaster]

C.Parent...I agree u-joints are the first thing. I had a set go bad on an E150 at about 85K. ALso check for somthing wrapped around the drive shaft i.e. piece of twine,rope,tape picked up from the road etc. Also some drive shafts have a balance pad attached. It's a square piece of metal attached to provide balance. While it would be unusual, it is not un heard of for the balance pad to come off. Lastly tires and rims should be completely ruled out. I had a virbation one time that no one including the dealer could find. In desperation I talked my friend into letting my borrow all four tires and rims from this F-150. My vibration was gone using his tires. Good luck..t.m.

[Mr. Breeze]

After a short trip I like to feel the U-joints, wheel bearings, diff., etc. for excessive heat. This could reveal your culprit.