"Loose" stops and takeoffs?
#1
04-06-2006
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"Loose" stops and takeoffs?
Okay, I bought my truck from the dealer about 4 months ago. I have noticed that when I go to stop it seems like there is some play in the brakes or something, almost like there is a loose caliper or something. Sometimes when I take off it seems like there is some play somewhere also. Its minor, but I have never noticed it in another vehicle to include other Rangers. I figure it could be a loose brake caliper or a loose rear end, but im not sure because its kind of a weird problem. I did also notice some major squeeking from the suspension on the drivers side going over speed bumps for the first time yesterday. Im going to get it aligned and the tires balanced soon, but I didnt want to align it before suspension work needs done. Anyone ever hear of this or know what else it could be?
#2
04-06-2006
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well first off PLEASE check your brakes before you drive any more. its not too hard to take the wheels off and make sure everything is ok. as far as the rest of the problem, without actually feeling it myself it would be hard to diagnose, it could be the slip yoke on the driveshaft, i know the F150s has some problem wtih that and i think they just lubed them.
#3
04-06-2006
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I thought if it were a big deal the dealer would have caught it when the serviced the brakes, but they never mentioned anything about it. Im taking it in to change out the plugs I have so Ill check it when Im in the shop. It is minor and only does it when I slow to stop from higher speeds, if im at a light and roll a little and stop again it doesnt do it. If I cant figure it out Ill have midas go over it when they do the balance and align. The only other thing I can think of is that it would be the truck shifting down to 1st(auto) and I could just feel it more because of the firmer shifts from the JET chip, but like I said I have never noticed it in any other Ranger doing that to where I could feel it. Plus it still wouldnt explain the "loose" takeoff feeling that happens sporadically. Ill see what happens after I get a Carfax report and tinker with it this weekend. If anyone else has any input at all Id appreciate it, thanks.
#4
04-07-2006
Since it is happening on both braking and accelerating, it is probably the infamous Ranger slip/bump. This is usually a single bump through the drivetrain right after initial acceleration or when coming to a stop. It is felt rather than heard.
Ford recommends regreasing the slip yoke splines and this is exactly how they "fix" it under warranty. The process is easier on 2WD than 4WD because a 4x4 has the slip yoke incorporated in the main body of the driveshaft.
I have regreased mine using the special Ford Teflon grease but the fix only lasts about 2~6 months. I finally installed a set of James Duff traction bars about 2 1/2 years ago and it completely eliminated the problem at its source (axle wrap).
The TSB below says it is for 4x4 Supercabs only but it happens on many Rangers and F-series, worse on those with factory lift blocks.
Ford recommends regreasing the slip yoke splines and this is exactly how they "fix" it under warranty. The process is easier on 2WD than 4WD because a 4x4 has the slip yoke incorporated in the main body of the driveshaft.
I have regreased mine using the special Ford Teflon grease but the fix only lasts about 2~6 months. I finally installed a set of James Duff traction bars about 2 1/2 years ago and it completely eliminated the problem at its source (axle wrap).
The TSB below says it is for 4x4 Supercabs only but it happens on many Rangers and F-series, worse on those with factory lift blocks.
TSB 04-23-7
11/29/04
DRIVESHAFT - THUMP/CLUNK ON LIGHT
ACCELERATION FROM STOP OR WHEN BRAKING
AND COMING TO A STOP - RANGER 4X4 SUPER
CAB
FORD:
1998-2005 Ranger
This article supersedes TSB 03-26-2 to update the vehicle model years and service procedure.
ISSUE
Some Ranger 4X4 Super Cab vehicles may exhibit a low frequency thump type noise/vibration on light acceleration from a stop and/or when coming to a stop with light to moderate braking. This may be caused by axle wind up during acceleration or deceleration, creating a stick/slip condition at the rear driveshaft slip yoke splines.
ACTION
A new type of grease is available which will greatly reduce the sticking/binding in the slip yoke during acceleration and deceleration. To service, apply the new grease to the rear driveshaft slip yoke splines. Refer to the following Service Procedure.
NOTE OTHER DRIVELINE NOISE CONDITIONS WILL NOT BE CORRECTED WITH THIS PROCEDURE. REFER TO THE APPROPRIATE RANGER WORKSHOP MANUAL FOR DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR OF ENGAGEMENT CLUNK, TIP-IN/OUT CLUNK OR CLUTCH ENGAGEMENT CLUNK CONDITIONS.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
DRIVESHAFT REMOVAL
1. Index (mark) the rear driveshaft to the rear pinion flange and the front of the driveshaft to the transfer case flange.
2. Remove the rear driveshaft.
SLIP YOKE DISASSEMBLY
CAUTION DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE, CLAMP THE DRIVESHAFT IN THE JAWS OF A VISE OR SIMILAR HOLDING FIXTURE. DENTING OR A FRACTURE CAN RESULT, CAUSING DRIVESHAFT FAILURE DURING VEHICLE OPERATION.
1. Place the driveshaft on a suitable workbench. Do not damage the tube.
2. Mark the driveshaft and slip yoke on both sides of the boot. Mark the location of the clamp crimps so the new clamps can be installed in the same location (Figure 1).
3. Cut and discard the slip yoke boot clamps.
4. Remove the slip yoke from the driveshaft.
5. Thoroughly clean the boot making sure to remove all of the old grease and dirt. Inspect the boot for damage.
6. Inspect the lubricant on the driveshaft splines and in the driveshaft slip yoke for contamination. If contaminated, inspect the driveshaft splines and slip yoke for wear.
7. Using a stiff NON-METALLIC brush and a suitable solvent, thoroughly clean all the old grease out of the splines on the slip yoke and the driveshaft.
8. Use compressed air to completely dry both spline areas.
ASSEMBLY
1. Install the slip yoke boot on the driveshaft (small opening end first).
2. Install and crimp the small slip yoke boot clamp using a keystone clamp installer (SST211-002).
3. Pull the boot toward the driveshaft to expose the splines. Completely coat all slip yoke and driveshaft spline surfaces with the grease supplied in the kit.
4. Position the large slip yoke boot clamp on the boot (DO NOT CRIMP).
5. Align the index marks and install the slip yoke on the driveshaft.
6. Set boot free length as follows:
a. Remove any excess grease from the slip yoke boot and driveshaft slip yoke surfaces.
b. Position the slip yoke boot in the slip yoke boot groove.
c. Set the boot length to 3" (76 mm) by sliding the slip yoke. Measure between the inner side of the clamps as shown in (Figure 2).
d. Bleed the air from the slip yoke boot using a screwdriver as shown in (Figure 2).
7. Crimp the large slip yoke boot clamp using SST 211-002.
INSTALL DRIVESHAFT
1. Align the driveshaft front index mark with the mark on the transfer case flange and install the driveshaft. Torque the bolts to 82 lb-ft (111 N.m).
2. Align driveshaft rear flange index mark with the mark on the pinion flange and install the driveshaft. Torque the bolts to 83 lb-ft (112 N.m).
Parts Block
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
042307A Apply New Grease To The 0.7 Hr.
Rear Driveshaft Slip Yoke
Splines
DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
4K277 41
11/29/04
DRIVESHAFT - THUMP/CLUNK ON LIGHT
ACCELERATION FROM STOP OR WHEN BRAKING
AND COMING TO A STOP - RANGER 4X4 SUPER
CAB
FORD:
1998-2005 Ranger
This article supersedes TSB 03-26-2 to update the vehicle model years and service procedure.
ISSUE
Some Ranger 4X4 Super Cab vehicles may exhibit a low frequency thump type noise/vibration on light acceleration from a stop and/or when coming to a stop with light to moderate braking. This may be caused by axle wind up during acceleration or deceleration, creating a stick/slip condition at the rear driveshaft slip yoke splines.
ACTION
A new type of grease is available which will greatly reduce the sticking/binding in the slip yoke during acceleration and deceleration. To service, apply the new grease to the rear driveshaft slip yoke splines. Refer to the following Service Procedure.
NOTE OTHER DRIVELINE NOISE CONDITIONS WILL NOT BE CORRECTED WITH THIS PROCEDURE. REFER TO THE APPROPRIATE RANGER WORKSHOP MANUAL FOR DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR OF ENGAGEMENT CLUNK, TIP-IN/OUT CLUNK OR CLUTCH ENGAGEMENT CLUNK CONDITIONS.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
DRIVESHAFT REMOVAL
1. Index (mark) the rear driveshaft to the rear pinion flange and the front of the driveshaft to the transfer case flange.
2. Remove the rear driveshaft.
SLIP YOKE DISASSEMBLY
CAUTION DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE, CLAMP THE DRIVESHAFT IN THE JAWS OF A VISE OR SIMILAR HOLDING FIXTURE. DENTING OR A FRACTURE CAN RESULT, CAUSING DRIVESHAFT FAILURE DURING VEHICLE OPERATION.
1. Place the driveshaft on a suitable workbench. Do not damage the tube.
2. Mark the driveshaft and slip yoke on both sides of the boot. Mark the location of the clamp crimps so the new clamps can be installed in the same location (Figure 1).
3. Cut and discard the slip yoke boot clamps.
4. Remove the slip yoke from the driveshaft.
5. Thoroughly clean the boot making sure to remove all of the old grease and dirt. Inspect the boot for damage.
6. Inspect the lubricant on the driveshaft splines and in the driveshaft slip yoke for contamination. If contaminated, inspect the driveshaft splines and slip yoke for wear.
7. Using a stiff NON-METALLIC brush and a suitable solvent, thoroughly clean all the old grease out of the splines on the slip yoke and the driveshaft.
8. Use compressed air to completely dry both spline areas.
ASSEMBLY
1. Install the slip yoke boot on the driveshaft (small opening end first).
2. Install and crimp the small slip yoke boot clamp using a keystone clamp installer (SST211-002).
3. Pull the boot toward the driveshaft to expose the splines. Completely coat all slip yoke and driveshaft spline surfaces with the grease supplied in the kit.
4. Position the large slip yoke boot clamp on the boot (DO NOT CRIMP).
5. Align the index marks and install the slip yoke on the driveshaft.
6. Set boot free length as follows:
a. Remove any excess grease from the slip yoke boot and driveshaft slip yoke surfaces.
b. Position the slip yoke boot in the slip yoke boot groove.
c. Set the boot length to 3" (76 mm) by sliding the slip yoke. Measure between the inner side of the clamps as shown in (Figure 2).
d. Bleed the air from the slip yoke boot using a screwdriver as shown in (Figure 2).
7. Crimp the large slip yoke boot clamp using SST 211-002.
INSTALL DRIVESHAFT
1. Align the driveshaft front index mark with the mark on the transfer case flange and install the driveshaft. Torque the bolts to 82 lb-ft (111 N.m).
2. Align driveshaft rear flange index mark with the mark on the pinion flange and install the driveshaft. Torque the bolts to 83 lb-ft (112 N.m).
Parts Block
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
042307A Apply New Grease To The 0.7 Hr.
Rear Driveshaft Slip Yoke
Splines
DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
4K277 41
#5
04-07-2006
Join Date: Feb 2006
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That sounds like that is my problem then, Im relieved to know it isnt a huge issue! I guess I didnt think a stock ranger would have a problem with axle wrap, I know my Scotty does since it has considerably bigger tires though. Thanks for the help, Ill let the dealer handle the problem as I hate working on newer vehicles.
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