97 Explorer XLT 5.0 AWD Vibration

May 05, 2004 3 Replies
A

I have a 97 Explorer 5.0 AWD V8 that vibrates between 25 and 40 mph, and also between about 60 and 80 mph. The vibration almost feels like a cupped tire or like you're driving on pebbles. This bad vibe smoothes out between 41 and 59 mph. When the vehicle vibrates you can also feel it in the steering wheel. I have 4 new tires (Michelin LTX M/S) and had the thing aligned. I was convinced I had a tire problem, so I had the tires rebalanced.....still had the vibration...then I had all 4 tires warrantied...same bad vibes. Both front and rear driveshaft universals felt ok. Mounts looked ok. I'm stumped and I'm just hoping this problem is not in the transfer case. Anyone ever ran into this?



Thanks in advance


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F

Not on an Explorer (though I happen to have a '97 Explorer 5.0 AWD too!), but vibrations that occur at the speeds that you indicate are usually driveline related.

Look over the driveshafts carefully and see if there are any missing balance weights or anything stuck on one that would explain the vibes.

-Fred W

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R

If it's felt in the steering wheel:

Look at the rotors first, if they are vented especially. Sometimes there are round pieces of tubing in the rotors, which are expelled at high velocity and then the vibration starts.

You can try having someone with a machine that balances the tire while on the vehicle check for this condition. But those shops are becoming extinct.

I'm sure you can find one though.

Refinish King

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B

Check shops that do big rig truck tires; they often have on-vehicle balance rigs.

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