2004 Ford F-150 vibration

TJM24271

MEMBER
2004 FORD F-150
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
87,000 MILES

Please help, I recently had new brakes all around and new tires put on my truck. Less than a week later I started having vibration in the truck between 50 and 62 mph. I had it back to the shop 5 times, they checked the drive line re ballanced the tires, rechecked the alignment. They said everything looked fine but swapped out one tire that could possibly be out of round. I have had the rear differential drained and oil replaced, the transmission flushed and torque converter shutter guard added. The vibration only happens every three to four days and will stop when I come to a complete stop but it starts out light and gets so bad you have to pull over and stop. The transmission does as it is supposed to, going through the gears and doesn't jerk. The vibration usually happens on a straight stretch, never going up a grade or when in close traffic below 50mph and slowing for red lights or traffic. I have tried to speed up but it shakes so bad (like running over railroad tracks) that you have to slow down. Then a rolling stop won't make it quit either. Only a complete stop. There are no check engine lights on the dash and no codes when hooked up to a diagnostic machine. I even had another company check out the brakes and alignment and they said everything is fine. I would greatly appreciate any info you have.
Thanks,
Teresa V.

1 Reply

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

Check for up and down play in the ball joints when the wheels are on the ground with a suitable bar that is strong enough. There should be no movement at all.

Remove the driveshaft and make sure the u-joints are not stiff. IF there is a carrier bearing on that one, make sure the webbing is not deteriorated.

Make sure the power steering has no air trapped in it. Sometimes evident by air bubbles in the fluid.

Try engageing the 4 wheel drive and see if it stops the vibration when it happens. OR drive it in 4 wheel drive to see if it no longer happens.

As stupid as this sounds check the tire size and match it with the sticker on the door jamb to make sure the tires are correct. Then chack all four tires to make sure they are the same.

Try getting a pair of 1 degree shims and just slightly change the driveline angle. The shim goes between the spring and rear axle housing