[valverde]

I have a 2004 F250 FX4 85k miles that vibrates at 43mph +/- and at around 57+/-. No noises, no increase with speed, it is at very specific speeds and feels like its in the seat of my pants, steering wheel is stable. I have rotated and balanced the tires at a minimum of 3 times at NTB. I replaced my shocks and the tires look good. I have read a few things about u-joints, does anyone have any suggestions or ideas on what could be causing this?

Thanks for any help!

 

[Rob]

I would look into U joints. thats where i am at with my Vibration. or maybe a carrier bearing if you have one.

 

[valverde]

Would u-joints be covered under the warranty? My gas pedal fell of a few months ago and it was covered :dunno:

I just dont want to take it in to the dealership, lose a day and then they say its not covered.

 

[Rob]

Call first. tell them that it is having a vibration, let them know you have had the wheels and tires balanced, and need to know if U-Joints are covered.

 

[valverde]

Will do. I will let you know what they say.

Thanks!

 

[Rob]

if they wont cover them, they are relatively cheap. and you could do them yourself. let me know what they say!!!

 

[valverde]

No luck on the warranty so it looks like another do it yourself project one day next week.

Does anyone know if there are any special tools for u-joints on my truck, like a press or anything?

Also, there is a bracket in the middle that holds one of the shafts, anyone know what that part is called and if could be the culprit to my vibrations?

 

[Rob]

the bracket is the carrier bearing housing. it may be the culprit, but i would go with the U-jints first. there is a tool that is sued to remove the joints, you can get it at a harbor freight tool store or somewhere like that. dont beat them out, you may damage the driveshaft. if you need to replace the carrier bearing let me know, as i know a place you can order it from for less than half the cost of the dealership.

 

[valverde]

I put the trucks on jack stands and checked the u-joints and the carrier bearing. I could find NO slack anywhere in the driveshaft, ujoints or the carrier bearing. I also ran the truck while on jacks and could not "easily" recreate the problem, simulating 40+ mph on jacks is shaky to say the least. I never went above 50 since I was VERY uncomfortable. I am going to take it back to NTB one more time and have them rotate and balance as well as an inspection of the drivetrain, if they do that type of work.

 

[valverde]

got it fixed.

on the 5th try getting the tires balanced, I took the day off and was there when they opened. I got the full time guys that are not still in school and working evenings and weekends. They put the truck on the rack, went thru every inch of suspension and driveline, no problems found, rebalanced the tires AGAIN and this time they criss crossed the rotation due to some minor cupping, most likely from the vibration (bouncing). I took it for a test spin and it worked! NTB did not charge me since it took them 4 previous attempts to finally get it right.

 

[drstephennix]

Good deal! glad you got it fixed!

 

[flightmeck]

Glad you got it fixed. I'm still tracking down mt vib problem/