Vibration between 50 & 70 mph

[ultimate warrior]

Is this thread for finding out what's wrong with our mustangs or finding out who knows more about TSBs?? Honestly, I know nothing about the grammatical structure of a TSB and more importantly, the info certainly hasn't helped me understand the problem (nor has it added value to this thread).

So, bringing the topic back to what we all are really here for, I'd like to provide an update on my "mustang adventure."

Brought my 2016 GT back in on Friday 3/25, vibration was still occurring (DS replaced on 3/17) specifically at 50mph, but continuing through 60mph, but decreasing through 70mph where it seemed to dissipate completely. The diagnosis was a bad "trans output flange." Brought back in on 3/29 - replaced trans output flange, seal and retaining nut. This did fix the "clank" that I was having when shifting from P to R, but vibration still persists in the 50-60mph range.

Called the dealership today - they are stumped. They said they were going to do additional research and get back to me. They seem to be open to looking at all potential resources for an answer. A couple of questions I have are:

1) From an earlier post, it sounded like the "runout on the driveshaft" can sometimes be the culprit - is this likely? Is this something they should look at? Is it something that can be adjusted?

2) Should I request for them to schedule an appointment with a Ford engineer? Is that something that I can ask them to do or do they have to come to that conclusion?

3) Could it really be a tire balance issue? Every out-of-balance tire I've ever had felt out-of-balance at any speed - the specific range of 50-60mph really leads me to believe that this would be a waste of time. Any suggestions?

I am very thankful that these guys at my dealership have been so open-minded about addressing this issue. My hope is that all of you who are having this problem will find a dealership or at least a tech staff that operate the same way.

Any comments or guidance is welcome (except any more superfluous TSB nonsense ... had to give that dead horse another kick). Thanks!

from what ive gathered - keep having them replace the DS till you get a good one.

if after 3-4 driveshafts the problem isnt resolved, have them give you a refund or a new car.

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[speedfrk]

from what ive gathered - keep having them replace the DS till you get a good one.

if after 3-4 driveshafts the problem isnt resolved, have them give you a refund or a new car.

Pinion flange has fixed several cars...

 

[Adam99SVT]

Looks like mine is going in on 4-5 to have my issue looked into. I hope that this will be a quick fix.

 

[S550VIN54]

I dropped mine off today for the pinion flange. Seems to be the easiest fix to try at this time until a TSB.

 

[Lsumba97]

Pinion flange has fixed several cars...

Is the pinion flange the same thing as the "trans output flange?" Is there a "trans INPUT flange?" I would think that there is a flange on the trans and an "input" flange on the rear diff - is that correct?

I guess i'm asking myself the question: Are there three potential "hot spots" that need to be checked: 1) the output flange, 2) the driveshaft, and 3) the connection with the rear diff. It seems like it could be a long process in determining the fix as each time they replace only one component, they introduce a new variable into the system. Would it make sense to just replace all components at once?

Also - are there known issues with faulty driveshafts or are good driveshafts being installed on faulty flanges that damage the DS after operation?

 

[GT Pony]

Is the pinion flange the same thing as the "trans output flange?" Is there a "trans INPUT flange?" I would think that there is a flange on the trans and an "input" flange on the rear diff - is that correct?

I guess i'm asking myself the question: Are there three potential "hot spots" that need to be checked: 1) the output flange, 2) the driveshaft, and 3) the connection with the rear diff. It seems like it could be a long process in determining the fix as each time they replace only one component, they introduce a new variable into the system. Would it make sense to just replace all components at once?

Also - are there known issues with faulty driveshafts or are good driveshafts being installed on faulty flanges that damage the DS after operation?

There is a flange on the output shaft of the transmission, and another one on the input shaft (pinion shaft) of the differential that the driveshaft bolts to on each end. Either flange, or both flanges could have bad run-out ... as well as the driveshaft itself (both sections as it's a 2-piece design). Heck, even the bearing at the middle of the driveshaft could be suspect. Anything that turns. And then of course is the spinning balance factor of the whole assembly, including both flanges the driveshaft bolts to.

 

[347CobraII]

Is the pinion flange the same thing as the "trans output flange?" Is there a "trans INPUT flange?" I would think that there is a flange on the trans and an "input" flange on the rear diff - is that correct?

I guess i'm asking myself the question: Are there three potential "hot spots" that need to be checked: 1) the output flange, 2) the driveshaft, and 3) the connection with the rear diff. It seems like it could be a long process in determining the fix as each time they replace only one component, they introduce a new variable into the system. Would it make sense to just replace all components at once?

Also - are there known issues with faulty driveshafts or are good driveshafts being installed on faulty flanges that damage the DS after operation?

Yes there's drive flange on trans and rear. Drive shaft has "carrier bearing" in the middle of it. Carrier bearing is mounted in rubber it will move some if you push on driveshaft. Also if driveshaft has balance issue it can tear up rubber mounting in carrier bearing.

Sorry it's not going to be simple 1 day fix there will be long check list with or without TSB. Also helps if they have vibration analyzer but very few dealers will have them and there pricey tool.

 

[Lsumba97]

Just got off the phone with the dealership. I'm bringing it in on Monday AM - they said they were going to do a battery of tests, including putting it on their vibration analyzer (interestingly they said they have the tool, but rarely ever use it). They made it sound like it was going to potentially be at least a couple of days to run all of the tests (just as you indicated 347CobraII).

Again, I'm just thankful that these folks seem to be doing everything they can to help resolve the issue, which is the only thing keeping me from really getting angry. Not once have they denied the vibration exists, say that it was "normal" or that it was a figment of my imagination. I wonder why there is such a difference in how folks on this thread are being treated by their dealership.

I'll provide an update with detail next week after I get the car back.

 

[Juben]

Mine has started doing it again at almost 40k. I also now live almost 5 hours from the last dealership that "fixed" it. I'm going to look into the lemon law.

Sent from my XT1095 using Tapatalk

 

[FordService]

Is this thread for finding out what's wrong with our mustangs or finding out who knows more about TSBs?? Honestly, I know nothing about the grammatical structure of a TSB and more importantly, the info certainly hasn't helped me understand the problem (nor has it added value to this thread).

So, bringing the topic back to what we all are really here for, I'd like to provide an update on my "mustang adventure."

Brought my 2016 GT back in on Friday 3/25, vibration was still occurring (DS replaced on 3/17) specifically at 50mph, but continuing through 60mph, but decreasing through 70mph where it seemed to dissipate completely. The diagnosis was a bad "trans output flange." Brought back in on 3/29 - replaced trans output flange, seal and retaining nut. This did fix the "clank" that I was having when shifting from P to R, but vibration still persists in the 50-60mph range.

Called the dealership today - they are stumped. They said they were going to do additional research and get back to me. They seem to be open to looking at all potential resources for an answer. A couple of questions I have are:

1) From an earlier post, it sounded like the "runout on the driveshaft" can sometimes be the culprit - is this likely? Is this something they should look at? Is it something that can be adjusted?

2) Should I request for them to schedule an appointment with a Ford engineer? Is that something that I can ask them to do or do they have to come to that conclusion?

3) Could it really be a tire balance issue? Every out-of-balance tire I've ever had felt out-of-balance at any speed - the specific range of 50-60mph really leads me to believe that this would be a waste of time. Any suggestions?

I am very thankful that these guys at my dealership have been so open-minded about addressing this issue. My hope is that all of you who are having this problem will find a dealership or at least a tech staff that operate the same way.

Any comments or guidance is welcome (except any more superfluous TSB nonsense ... had to give that dead horse another kick). Thanks!

Let’s get this escalated for you, Lsumba97. Please, PM me with your VIN, dealer, mileage, full name, and best daytime number.

Thanks Fordservice

You’re very welcome, 347CobraII!

Deysha

 

[347CobraII]

Just got off the phone with the dealership. I'm bringing it in on Monday AM - they said they were going to do a battery of tests, including putting it on their vibration analyzer (interestingly they said they have the tool, but rarely ever use it). They made it sound like it was going to potentially be at least a couple of days to run all of the tests (just as you indicated 347CobraII).

Again, I'm just thankful that these folks seem to be doing everything they can to help resolve the issue, which is the only thing keeping me from really getting angry. Not once have they denied the vibration exists, say that it was "normal" or that it was a figment of my imagination. I wonder why there is such a difference in how folks on this thread are being treated by their dealership.

I'll provide an update with detail next week after I get the car back.

You lucky to find dealer that has vibration analyzer. Without one it adds a lot of time to chase it down one of reasons why Ford tells them change parts out because it's cheaper in the run long than labor cost. No one in my area or around me has one and yes they don't get used much.

My dealer group has one just haven't asked to barrow it yet. I highly doubt they will because of cost of it.

I can't stress people need to bring it in no matter what out come is. Even if invoice says problem not found or whatever Ford see's techs note on what they did and can make changes to procedures. So getting Fords attention it gets squeaky wheel greased faster

 

[Jim05]

Not sure how much this matters, but to bring some closure to my "adventure"... I went ahead and took a plunge on a 2016 GT (nice stripped down hardtop - just the way a Mustang should be) that I test drove about 40 miles to be sure there was no vibe. That doesn't mean one won't develop, but I'm at least two steps better than the '15 Ford bought back.

Although the adventure still continues with getting the check cut to finalize the buyback (dealer sitting on paperwork for a week at a time and having dropped the jack on the car), at least there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

 

[ultimate warrior]

Mine has started doing it again at almost 40k. I also now live almost 5 hours from the last dealership that "fixed" it. I'm going to look into the lemon law.

Sent from my XT1095 using Tapatalk

its probably going to result in a revision of the carrier bearing.

on an older car that had vibration issues at speed, the carrier bearing was malformed (car sat too long).

ford probably isnt using the right material compound in the carrier bearing to support the DS which is why some are fucked out of the box, and some develop it over time.

also might explain why it seems to get worse after the car has been driven for a period of time - the bearing material gets warmer and becomes slightly more flexible.

anyone have a picture of the CB on the DS? maybe we could make some poly inserts to add strength to it?

 

[GT Pony]

its probably going to result in a revision of the carrier bearing.

on an older car that had vibration issues at speed, the carrier bearing was malformed (car sat too long).

ford probably isnt using the right material compound in the carrier bearing to support the DS which is why some are fucked out of the box, and some develop it over time.

also might explain why it seems to get worse after the car has been driven for a period of time - the bearing material gets warmer and becomes slightly more flexible.

anyone have a picture of the CB on the DS? maybe we could make some poly inserts to add strength to it?

Sounds like an opportunity for one of the aftermarket guys to come up with a better center carrier bearing assembly for the driveshaft.

 

[Ewwsti]

So I felt a vibration off and on today anywhere between 100 km to 120ish kms

I got sick of it punched it to 140 and haven't felt it since.

I will keep my eye on it and keep this post in mind as this was the first day I ever experienced it.

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