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Driveshaft Runout and Balancing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Mariner and 2006 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
SPECIAL TOOL CHART

G04617578
Dial Indicator Gauge with Holding Fixture
100-D002 (D78P-4301-B) or equivalent
  1. Remove the rear tires. For additional information, refer to WHEELS & TIRES .
    • Install the lug nuts to retain the brake drums or brake disc.
  2. Check the rear driveshaft attachment. If there are any worn parts, new parts need to be installed.
    Fig 1: Locating Rear Driveshaft Attachment
    G04617579Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  3. Using the special tool, measure the runout at the front, the center, and the rear of the driveshaft.
    Fig 2: Measuring Driveshaft Runout Using Special Tool (100-D002)
    G04617580Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  4. If the runout measurements are within specifications, go to Step  13.
  5. If the runout measurements exceed the specifications at the front or the center, then install a new driveshaft. For additional information, refer to DRIVESHAFT .
  6. If the runout measurement exceeds the specifications at the rear, mark the rear runout high point on the driveshaft.
  7. Scribe alignment marks on the driveshaft and the axle pinion flange.
  8. Index the driveshaft. For additional information, refer to DRIVESHAFT INDEXING .
  9. Using the special tool, measure the runout at the rear of the driveshaft.
    Fig 3: Measuring Driveshaft Runout Using Special Tool (100-D002)
    G04617581Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  10. If the runout measurement still exceeds the specification at the rear, mark the rear runout high point on the driveshaft.
  11. If the runout measurement is within specifications, go to Step  13.
  12. NOTE: Excessive driveshaft runout may originate in the driveshaft itself or in the axle pinion flange.
  13. Compare the two high points marked in Steps  6 and  10.
    • If the marks are within 25 mm (1 in), then install a new driveshaft. For additional information, refer to DRIVESHAFT .
    • If the marks are not within 25 mm (1 in), balance the driveshaft. Go to Step 13.
  14. CAUTION: To prevent overheating, do not run the vehicle on the hoist for an extended period of time.
    • Record baseline speed with the transmission in gear.
    • Increase the vehicle speed to the maximum vibration level.
    • Record the speed of the vibration as a baseline.
  15. WARNING: Keep hands away from the balance weights while the driveshaft is rotating. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
  16. With the transmission in gear, run the vehicle with the driveshaft rotating 97-113 km/h (60-70 mph).
  17. WARNING: Keep hands away from the balance weights while the driveshaft is rotating. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
  18. Have an assistant contact the driveshaft with a marker in the rear, middle and front end to indicate heavy spots.
  19. WARNING: Keep hands away from the balance weights while the driveshaft is rotating. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
    Fig 4: Identifying Screw Type Hose Clamps On Driveshaft
    G04617582Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  20. To balance the driveshaft, install two screw-type hose clamps on the driveshaft and rotate them in 90 degree intervals. Check the vibration for each position and place the screws at the position that produces the least vibration.
  21. Run the vehicle at the baseline speed.
  22. If the vibration is still evident, rotate the clamps away from each other until the driveshaft is balanced.
    Fig 5: Rotating Screw Type Hose Clamps Away From Each Other
    G04617583Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.