Hi all,

I have a little problem I’m hoping you can offer best recommendations. My 09 F150 6.5 ft bed with 5.4L has had a vibration when going around 60 mph. Probably for the last 5 years. It doesn’t bother me because it is smooth up to 60 and smooth after 70.

I’m getting my front calipers done today and the mechanic mentioned the vibration during his road test and mentioned I need a new drive shaft. This is the 2 piece shaft. I’m in a budget mode right now so I don’t want to spend where I don’t have to, and I’ve lived with the vibration for awhile.

My question is more if the drive shaft breaks, will it damage more components causing a much more expensive repair? Or really it will be the same costs if I repair it now. Of course towing, time, being stranded will add to everything.

Thanks, just wanted to confirm if breaking the drive shaft will kill transmission, etc.

 

Only reason to replace the driveshaft on our trucks (short of physical damage) is with the two-piece driveshaft because the carrier bearing on the OEM driveshaft is not servicable. Had to replace my driveshaft last November because the carrier bearing failed - actually the rubber isolator failed and the bearing fell out of it. Fortunately I was only traveling at 35mph when it happened and the whole truck shook violently. As far as damaging the truck, I would be more worried if the failed caused the driveshaft to physically break and strike the ground (crack in the road) or strike the undercarriage of the truck. I personally went with a aftermarket driveshaft with a serviceable carrier bearing from https://fortwayneclutch.com/ at a cost of $600.

 

Thanks for the response, I didn’t even think about the shaft flying off, possible hitting/causing another car to swerve... and causing a crash or damage.

Did your driveshaft issue vibrate only around the 60 mph mark, and how long before it let go? Mine has been doing this for a good 5 years.

thanks again, and it will hurt if I need to get this done now. Need another 3 months before I can put more money in the truck.

 

Never had any vibration with my driveshaft prior to it failing. Knew of the issues with failing carrier bearings, so I was kind of prepared. Again, important to know if you have the two-piece driveshaft or not. If you have a screw with 6.5ft bed then it's a two-piece driveshaft, otherwise you need to take a peek below to know for sure.

 

I do have the 6.5 bed, so for sure know that I have the 2 piece. I had to keep getting the dealer to grease it due to the big “clunk”. I have owned this truck since new, and that always bothered me - especially with a brand new truck. But the truck has been good to me, and a clunk here and there is okay.

it’s strange your truck didn’t vibrate at all before failing.

 

Not strange when considering I have a supercharger.... The driveshaft was on my list of to do's just knew it was a matter of time. At least now the slip yoke is way easier to grease with the grease fitting.

 

True enough! Thanks again, I appreciate your time.

 

I had the same exact problem, turned out to be u-joint. only one had one bad end so no movement when checking. had to examine each one, 3 ends were good and and 1 just had dust. funny thing is it never showed up to a got a new of tires and blamed on tire store to I finally figured it out.

 

You mean that you had a nice vibration that seemed to only appear around 60mph, but all was smooth until 60 and after 70?

 

^^^^^ all good advise in above posts^^^^^
I have many experiences replacing the 2 piece vibrating driveshafts to a spicer replacement in my HIGH mileage work trucks!!
I'm a firm believer the constant vibrations will cause other things to also fail premature !!! (especially as higher mileages increases)
I just replaced my transfer case that my mechanic diagnosed was making slight bearing vibes as well..... (over 400,000 km's )