EdB

My truck is a 2016 F150 XLT, Standard cab ( 1 pc’s driveshaft ) with 2.7 ecoboost, 3.31 gear. Purchased less than 3 week ago. Currently 800 miles on truck. I complained of vibration / shimmy 2nd day after purchase , took in to have tires rebalanced 8 days ( 450 miles ) after purchase only to be told to put 1K miles on truck and bring back. Truck is pretty bad around 45 - 60 MPH. IMO this doesn’t feel like a tire issue. If I place my drink in center cup holder it ripples and quivers just like some videos I have seen posted. To make things even worse it sounds like my rear-end is starting to whine @ deceleration and at constant speeds around 50 – 60 MPH. This just started a few days ago.


After joining this site, reading post and studying I decided to check pinion angles. My findings are Trans output 4.5° downward , Driveshaft 5.8° downward and Pinion flange 1.7° upward. This gives me a 1.3° operating angle at Trans and 4.1° operating angle at pinion. In my opinion this could very well be my issue. Also after looking at drive shaft I notice not only marks on driveshaft ( with what appears to be black sharpie ) but numbers as well. On driveshaft close to trans connection it has .15 on driveshaft and near the pinion area of shaft it has .22. I am guessing these numbers refer to runout or weight for balancing purposes. Anyone know what these numbers mean?

Yesterday I stopped by dealer to speak with service manager and all I can get from him is I probably slung a weight and they will check the tires. I mentioned my findings of misalignment on pinion angles, but he didn’t have much to say other than bring it in and they will re-balance tires. I asked if he would have his guy check the pinion angles and he just kind of give me a nod like sure …. yeah.



I’m just trying to narrow down if my misalignment of pinion angle will definitely cause a vibration or possibly cause vibration. Seems like some complain of vibration and others say they have no vibration.
I know this isn’t the top of the line F-150, however I feel this truck should ride smooth. Any input would be much appreciated.
Thanks

EdB

Sorry to bump the thread but I have attached pictures of markings with numbers in question. I’m curious if this is normal from factory or if this driveshaft has been previously rebalanced, checked for run out or possibly even swapped at some point at dealership trying to solve someone else’s vibration problems. I will be going to dealership tomorrow so they can test drive my truck.






Thanks

Z7What

If the angle are the problem or aren't the problem I don't see the dealership installing shims to correct this angle which is the only way to fix it.

Could you possibly bring it to another dealership?

Something isn't right for sure. I have owned 2 2003 F150s with 9-11" of lift running 37x12.50s and 38x15.50s and at 90mph you could balance a egg in the console. Sadly with the reputation I have noticed with Ford lately you may be stuck with it which is horrible. I'm die hard blue oval and I don't think I'll be buying another one after not just the issues I had with mine but the way Ford handled them.

Wayne

EdB

I agree. I have had several Rangers but this is my first blue oval full size and possible last if this isn't corrected. Had a couple bow ties and most issues with them were always resolved.

I can't understand why they may not choose to correct these angles. There not with in Fords own spec's. From what i have seen so far from studying is their own spec's ( from 2014 f-150 is equal or with in 1° of each other and 3° max operating angle). I can't find spec's on 2015 - 2016 yet, but don't see these spec's changing.

Other than the vibration and whine, there's the concern of damage that will arise from this to transmission and rear end. With a 4.5° operating angle at rear, it can't be good on the pinion gear or bearings.

seadragon

I have the same vibration at exactly 90 km/h. My dealer told me they've installed shims before for this reason on other trucks. I have to get mine in and get this fixed.

Regarding specs, here's what the service manual says:

EdB

Thanks for the spec's seadragon. I know all makes have similar issues, but IMO Ford could care less about solving this particular problem.

PerryB

The only thought I would interject into this is, the pinion angle increases under torque (going forward). The question is how much? In effect, it partially solves it's own problem going down the road, but I have no idea to what degree. I sure wouldn't hesitate to shim it up 1-2° and see how it responds. Either do it yourself or take it to a driveline shop. You might become an AARP member waiting for Ford to attempt anything so exotic as this.

tmcolegr

Hope this helps

Ohsix

I thought the nose of the pinion goes Up when under torque
That's the reason for traction bars

EdB

Thanks for the info....couldn't have asked for more. Not sure, but looks like maybe Ford went from 3° to 3.5° Max working angle from info i have on 2015 models.

I feel pretty good about my rough calculations with cheap angle gauge, however yesterday I ordered a driveline inclinometer. Shimmy up the rear is something i feel i can do, I'm just a little concerned about voiding any warranty that may be needed if my rear-end continues or the whine worsens.

I do agree with increase under torque as well as load on vehicle but think these angles should be reasonably close. Working angle of 4° - 4.5° is a little much especially when opposing connection is 1.5°. Seems like ford is consistently inconsistent with assembling drivelines.

Thanks again !