1997 Ford Ranger Driveshaft Vibration

FORD RANGER
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RIVER6453
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i have a 97 ford ranger, 160,000 miles and while i drive it it will make a noise and the whole truck vibrates real bad. i jacked up the rear and put it in gear to see where the noise was coming from. it seems the noise is coming from the drive shaft and when in gear the drive shaft is wobbling.
Feb 11, 2007 at 1:45 PM
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SERVICE WRITER
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Sounds like the u-joints had it. At either end of the shaft are ujoints that allow the shaft turn and be on an angle. If you grab the shaft with one hand and the other side of the joint with the other. make a wringing motion and look for play. There should be none.

DON"T DRIVE IT LIKE THIS.
Jun 3, 2021 at 3:04 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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https://images.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/30961_carrier_1.jpg

River emailed this, The carrier bearing is the problem.
Jun 3, 2021 at 3:04 AM

Suggested Repair

Do not drive the truck until the driveshaft is repaired. Check both U-joints for play by gripping each side of the joint and twisting; there should be none. Also inspect the carrier bearing, which was identified as the problem, and replace the worn U-joints and/or carrier bearing as needed.

Conversation Summary

A 1997 Ford Ranger with 160,000 miles makes noise and vibrates badly while driving. With the rear raised and the truck in gear, the noise appeared to come from the driveshaft, which was wobbling. One expert said the U-joints are likely worn and should be checked for play, and warned not to drive it. Another note said the carrier bearing is the problem.

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