Shaking/vibration, no noise?

Tiny
JAYDUB1791
  • MEMBER
  • 2015 FORD EXPEDITION
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • TURBO
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
The vehicle listed above is an EL Limited.
Roughly six months ago I started chasing an intermittent drivetrain shake/vibration, but it's never made a sound which has me stumped. So far, I've replaced all brake rotors and pads, vacuum pump (and lines, "filter", and 4WD solenoid), IWEs, front CV axles, front driveshaft (xfer case to front diff), front lower ball joints, rear upper control arms, and all four coil overs. Had a local shop that I trust check it over twice, then perform a balance and alignment, replace all drivetrain fluids, brake fluid, and add a shudder stop additive to the tranny. Frustratingly, everything but the vacuum pump was worn or had failed in some way shape or form and actually needed replacing. Checked rear driveshaft when I replaced the front, u-joints seemed tight. No clunking or excessive play in the rear CV axles. Every time I've had the wheels off, I try to test the wheel bearings out of pure paranoia, they all seem fine with no play and no noise, though it's hard to fully test them without fully removing them or pulling the CV axles. Tires are new as of 12 months ago. Through all of this, there's never been any sound whatsoever associated with the shaking.
Thursday, May 25th, 2023 AT 1:32 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

You've done a lot. Have you checked for a bent rim? Has the tire balance been checked?

Let me know. Also, let me know when you feel it. For example, is it only when accelerating?

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, May 25th, 2023 AT 9:09 PM
Tiny
JAYDUB1791
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Howdy Joe,

I haven't specifically checked for a bent rim, but now that you suggested that I sure will. Tires/wheels were balanced when it was at the shop for alignment and all the fluid work.

I can feel it at speeds over 20 MPH, accelerating or decelerating. No pulsing in the brake pedal, no back-and-forth shake of the steering wheel. It seems to worsen the longer I drive, making me think heat buildup is a factor. I have a 30min commute, and when returning to work from lunch the shake has become violent recently. A co-worker suggested a sticky brake caliper, which I'll be testing for this evening. I also noticed that my year-old rotors are already a little scored so I'm wondering if improper bedding-in may have led to this issue. FWIW - the shop did remove the rotors at my request and did not find any warp to them. I also plan to put it up on jack stands and do a rolling test of the front and rear driveshafts and CV axles. If time permits and the intrusive thoughts win out, I'll also pull the hubs so I can definitively check the wheel bearings.

I'm open to any other suggestions, too - thank you!
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Friday, May 26th, 2023 AT 8:54 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

A brake caliper could be the issue. However, I would think it would get worse when you apply the brakes. The easiest thing to do with checking the calipers is to drive it until you feel the shaking. When you park, get out and walk around the vehicle to see if there is excessive heat from any of the wheels.

Let me know what you find. I have a feeling it is a bent rim or something simple. However, if it is getting worse, that may eliminate that idea.

I'll watch for your response.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, May 26th, 2023 AT 9:41 PM
Tiny
JAYDUB1791
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Well, life got in the way of my plans as it does, and I finally had a chance to dig into everything yesterday evening. No bent rims as far as I could tell, zero wobbling or deflection when spun under power, though all four brakes seemed to be sticky and very sluggish to retract. Then during my testing, I noticed that the vacuum actuated front IWE hubs weren't disengaging, so I started checking vacuum lines. Turns out that my new vacuum pump was defective. Exchanged with another replacement (new, not remanufactured) and now the brakes are retracting properly! Unfortunately, the excess heat and wear did slightly warp both front rotors, so they'll be replaced as well, but now when driving the shaking is gone. The warp is minor and nearly imperceptible unless I touch the brakes at speeds over 60.

Thank you for your suggestions!
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Monday, June 12th, 2023 AT 8:06 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Thank you for the update. It's appreciated. I'm glad to know you got it figured out.

Again, thanks for the update and please feel free to come back any time in the future.

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, June 12th, 2023 AT 8:53 PM

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