2006 ranger automatic, FX4, 35000 miles.

i've got a vibration around 60MPH, and it's more violent on deceleration.

i suspect a bad u-joint, and i'm going to pull the shaft and check at the next chance. anything else to look for?

anyone else have a u-joint go bad in this fashion? i've never had one act like this.

thanks for the help!

 

is your truck still under the factory 3 year 36,000 mile warranty?!

 

unfourtuanatly not, the warranty expired feb 21, just my luck!

not like it's a huge deal, just a minor inconvienience, biggest problem is that it's been cold. around -40 this morning.

 

my 94 ranger is making a LOUD anooying noise. It is most noticable when hitting 40 mph.
It is loud and vibrating when decelerating also.

We checked hubs/wheel bearings/breaks/rotors and everything looked good.

I am thinking u-joints now.

I had them replaced 3 years but when they went bad then, they were pulling the truck left and right when i bought truck.

maybe we have same problem?

 

i think i have resolved the problem.

the key was a squeeling noise that started when i would first take off from being parked.

the recent cold snap here (-35ish) and the brake dust accumulated in the drums seems to have been causing my park brake to stick slightly...

i pulled the drums off today, hosed everything off, gave it a quick shot of brake parts cleaner, checked the adjustment, checked for abnormal wear and such, and put it all back together.

smooth as could be!

i always set my park brake even though the truck's an automatic, i park on alot of hills, and i dont like how much "slack" there is in park. it's just habit now.

funny how things like this happen!

 

i have been thinking mine might be the e-brake on mine also.
i use it here and there, but maybe it is sticking alittle.

which wheel does the e-brake cable go to? i am guesssing rear drivers side?

where does the cable go into the drum, and what exactly should i be looking for?

 

you will have one cable to each brake drum.

what i would do:

lift the back wheels off the ground. spin each wheel to see if it's dragging more than the other. this may be difficult if you have a limited slip.

remove the wheels and drums. look for any abnormal wear on the shoes, and the drums. also check for heat cracking.

check each brake cable, probably easiest to disconnect the two cables and give each one a pull to make sure they move freely. don't pull to hard if you have the drums off and the drum end still connected, peices may fly!

take a garden hose and rinse the brake dust out of the brake assembly, and the drum. let it air dry, they give them a spray with brake parts cleaner a wipe them down to remove any remaining residue.

check the adjustment (assuming you don't have to replace parts).

re assemble and test drive it.

brake dust and water basicly turn into glue! this can really be a problem if you back a boat trailer into the water, and go in up to the drums. the next place you park, the brakes may sieze on when the water starts to dry up.

 

thanks, i will try it tomorrow.

i also thought about lifting the rear of the truck off the ground on stands and blocking the front wheels and have someone drive the truck and that way i can listen for where the sound is coming from.