Trying to make lemonade out of this lemon. [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] Kind of a long post that covers driveline vibration and exhaust flutter (see bottom).
Alas, the vibration saga continues into week 4...
My truck has a vibration between 70 & 80 mph that no one can fix. Dealership has tried for 3 weeks without success. Finally brought in the Ford District "Engineer" (FDE) yesterday and he couldn't figure it out either. They do believe it's in the rear axle, though.
Let me tell what they've done before I get to his "recommendation":
Driveshaft re-indexed (about 20 times- really!)
Driveshaft balance "checked"- runout is .012"
Driveshaft replaced
Pinion angle adjusted through the specification range by 1/2° increments.
Rear driveshaft removed & test-driven as "front-wheel drive".
Unbolted my 5th wheel hitch mounting rails???
Things they thought about, but couldn't do:
Replace driveshaft with one off a diesel. Seems diesels have a dampener in them, but they are too long (V8 vs V10).
Replace with a driveshaft off an '01- can't because there are significant differences between the '00 & '01.
The FDE recommendation:
Find a '00 that doesn't vibrate and is configure exactly like mine. Remove the entire rear axle from this other truck & install into mine. OR find an '01 F350 and swap axles.
Obviously, finding an available '00 configured exactly like mine is going to be tough. None in Tulsa, so they are checking OKC. The interesting part is that it seems OK to use an '01 F350 axle, but not an '01 F250 axle.
About the "flutter":
I asked the FDE to diagnose a "rattle" in the engine. I didn't give an RPM range or even describe it any more than sounding kind of like spark-knock. He came back (four test-drives) with the "flutter" diagnosis. Official resolution: NONE. Aftermarket headers will void warranty. Yeah, whatever. [img]images/icons/mad.gif[/img]
NoMo,
Sorry to hear about the vibration. My neighbor has a new motor home with V10 and had a "vibration". It was a BENT RIM. I know this is probably too simple, but thought I'd mention it.
__________________
Y2k F350, white with harvest gold trim,V10,4x4,Lariat,SC,Auto,Tow pkg,camper pkg,ESOF, so-called limited slip, off road,3.73,Rancho 9000 w/ in cab control, Ride Rite Air Bags,Long bed,Rickson 19.5" wheels, Michelin XDE-MS,Lance Camper, BugDeflector2, Stull Grill, KN., Flowmaster 50
I forgot to mention that the balanced & rotated the tires. The vibration didn't change. I should find out tomorrow if they were able to locate another truck like mine. I just hope they get it fixed soon. Wife says she's tired of my B!^#%'n, and told me to get a new one. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] Can't wait till the '02s are ready to sell.
I'd really like to hear their reasoning why the headers would void your warranty. [img]images/icons/crazy.gif[/img] Seems silly to me. Maybe on the exhaust system that's it.
__________________
2005 V10, AT, Fx4 Dark Stone Metalic, Crewcab F350, 4.10LS, shortbed, towcomand, Extang tonno **SOLD**
After the FDE left, I spoke to the service manager about the flutter being cured by headers and he thought it was a great idea. Just recommended that the FDE not find out lest the warranty become void. The mgr said the FDE had done it before.
Based on my current situation, I didn't press the issue of exactly what part of the warranty would be voided. Figured I should get my truck "fixed" before delving into the legalities of mods.
Being the cheap yahoos they are, I think Ford is looking for reasons to void warranties. Just read some of the current threads in other forums. Exhaust brakes, chips, lifts & other "stuff" is being used to refuse service. [img]images/icons/mad.gif[/img]
Did you try (yourself) jacking up the rearend and running it up to speed. I did this on my old 150 with a driveshaft balance problem. The steps are; jack it up(from the rear diff only, this compresses the suspension like notmal), block the front and take all the safety steps (ie remove pets kids etc from the area...in case), run it up to speed and check for the vibration. If you DON'T feel it then you got something wierd. If you feel it...remove the tires and try it again. This should help you narrow it down a bit. You can even put some hose clamps on the driveshaft to try to change the vibration. With my 150 I could see the vibration easily(wife operating the truck). I added 3 hose clamps to get rid of it and I guess they're still on the truck. If the new owner removes them he'll surely know why they were on there.
I took the truck in for various "concerns", so I never tried it myself. But, after last Friday's diags, there's no way it can be the rear driveshaft since the vibration exists even when it is removed.
Kind of odd to see the truck cruise down the road without the rear driveshaft. [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]
Not surprised-
They couldn't locate a truck like mine to swap axles. Service mgr has called area rep to see about a buy-back. They're just tired of working on it.
I think the kicker was when I took it back Monday because the ABS light was on again. They pulled the codes and are supposed to be ordering a new control module. That should be all new ABS stuff except the wiring (which has been worked on once, too). Last time, they replaced the RABS sensor.
Check out my Need opinions post & let me know what you think.
AutoForums.com is the premier network of enthusiast-owned
enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
We operate more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share
experiences and opinions as a community.
Linear Mode
