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Drivetrain - Driveshaft Squeaking/Squealing Noise

Article No.
03-22-2

11/10/03

^ NOISE - DRIVESHAFT CENTER BEARING NOISE -
VEHICLES BUILT AFTER 6/1/2002

^ DRIVESHAFT - DRIVESHAFT CENTER BEARING
NOISE - VEHICLES BUILT AFTER 6/1/2002

FORD:
2002-2003 F SUPER DUTY

ISSUE

Some 2002-2003 Super Duty F-Series vehicles built after 06/01/2002, with a multi-piece driveshaft may exhibit a squeaking and/or squealing noise from the center bearing while driving. This noise is produced when the bearing seal rotates in the bearing outer race.

ACTION








To service, replace the center bearing. Use a center bearing assembly with a white paint dot (built after 6/9/2003). Determine the style of the driveshaft per (Figure 1) and (Figure 2), then follow the appropriate Service Procedure below.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

NOTE
WHENEVER DRIVESHAFT REMOVAL IS NECESSARY, IT IS IMPORTANT TO PAINT MARK THE DRIVESHAFT TO THE TRANSMISSION (OR TRANSFER CASE) AND THE REAR AXLE. ADDITIONALLY, MARK A PAINT LINE THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE MULTI-PIECE DRIVESHAFT ASSEMBLY. THIS IS ESSENTIAL TO INSURE THE DRIVESHAFTS ARE REASSEMBLED IN THE SAME ORIENTATION AS ORIGINAL. FAILURE TO REASSEMBLE THE DRIVESHAFT IN ITS ORIGINAL ORIENTATION MAY RESULT IN AN UNBALANCED DRIVESHAFT CONDITION.

PROCEDURE FOR DRIVESHAFTS ILLUSTRATED IN FIGURE 1

1. Remove the boot clamps from the rubber boot and discard.

2. Disassemble the driveshaft from the coupling shaft.

3. Remove and discard the retention slinger, center bearing assembly, and dust slinger from coupling shaft.

4. Install the new dust slinger and center bearing assembly per Ford Workshop Manual.

NOTE
DRIVESHAFTS OF THE TYPE SHOWN IN (FIGURE 1) REQUIRE THE INSTALLATION OF THE RETENTION SLINGER PROVIDED IN THE SERVICE KIT TO RETAIN THE CENTER BEARING TO THE COUPLING SHAFT.

5. Reassemble rubber boot and boot clamp to stub shaft and crimp the boot clamp.

6. Slide the other boot clamp onto the slip yoke of the driveshaft assembly, then assemble the driveshaft to the coupling shaft. BE SURE TO ALIGN THE PAINT LINE MARKS FOR PROPER ORIENTATION. Align the rubber boot with the slip yoke boot groove. Clamp boot clamp while the boot is in the relaxed position.

7. Reinstall the driveshaft assembly to the vehicle per the Ford Workshop Manual.

8. Drive the vehicle 10 miles at different speeds with the driver's side window down to verify that the noise condition is corrected.

PROCEDURE FOR DRIVESHAFTS ILLUSTRATED IN FIGURE 2

1. Remove and discard bearing strap bolts and remove and discard bearing straps.

2. Remove and discard the end yoke retaining nut.

3. Remove end yoke from the coupling shaft assembly. BE SURE THE END YOKE IS PAINT MARKED FOR PROPER REINSTALLATION.

4. Inspect end yoke for any damage to lug ears and/or hub splines. Save the end yoke for reuse.

5. Remove and discard both the center bearing assembly and dust slinger.

6. Install the new dust slinger and center bearing assembly per Ford Workshop Manual.

7. Reassemble the end yoke to the splined shaft. BE SURE TO ALIGN THE PAINT LINE MARKS FOR PROPER ORIENTATION.

8. Install the new End Yoke Nut (F81Z-4819-AA) and torque to 407 N.m (300 lb-ft).

9. Install the driveshaft assembly to the coupling shaft connecting the u-joint to the end yoke. THIS WILL TYPICALLY BE A TIGHT FIT AND MAY REQUIRE SOME EFFORT TO SEAT THE U-JOINT INTO THE END YOKE. BE SURE THE PAINT-LINE BETWEEN THE TWO SHAFTS ALIGN WITH EACH OTHER.

10. Secure the U-joint to the yoke using the bearing straps and bearing strap bolts:

a. For F250/350 applications use Bearing Strap (E4HZ-4A254-B) and Torque Fasteners (F81Z-4N272-M) to 34-41 N.m (25-30 lb-ft).

b. For F450/550 applications use Bearing Strap (E4HZ-4A254-A) and Torque Fasteners (F1HZ-4N272-A) to 61-81 N.m (45-60 lb-ft).

11. Reinstall the driveshaft assembly per the Ford Workshop Manual.

12. Drive the vehicle 10 miles at different speeds with the driver's side window down and verify the noise condition is corrected.





Parts Block

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE

WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage





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