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Topic: Mountaineer has some not-so-good vibes. (Read 723 times) previous topic - next topic

Mountaineer has some not-so-good vibes.

It shakes a bit (steering wheel, and console, oddly enough) around 65-70 mph. Much more than that and it tends to fade a bit, not that I drive it much over 70 or so anyway, unless I'm on the big roads..

I've replaced all 4 rotors, all new bake pads, as well. Calipers are good, not seized or binding, and the front axles (cv shafts) are good as well.

What I've not yet checked are the u joints, and the balance on the tires. There's a possibility that one tire may have a slight bubble on it, I've had some issues with it going flat on me a few times in the past.

Also the hubs/bearings in the front are new as well. Both failed in weeks after I picked it up earlier this past summer.

Hoping it's tires....I want some mud tires on it lol.
'98 Explorer 5.0
'20 Malibu (I know, Chevy, but, 35MPG. Let's go brandon, eh)

Mountaineer has some not-so-good vibes.

Reply #1 –
That bubble isn't safe, and will go soon.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

Mountaineer has some not-so-good vibes.

Reply #2 –
Tires could be seperating on the inside belts.

Mountaineer has some not-so-good vibes.

Reply #4 –
Bent wheel?
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.

Mountaineer has some not-so-good vibes.

Reply #5 –
The tires were new, put on in March by the previous owner, but the right rear has had 3 flats, 2 from the same hole, first of which was improperly patched. It was driven about half a mile extremely low before I realized it was near flat.
AFAIK know the wheels are good, and am trying to get an appointment at the place the tires were bought to have them rebalanced. Tomorrow I'm going to check the u joints and go from there. However, since it only does it at a certain speed, my gut is a tire is coming apart.

Other than the brakes, hubs, and of course a sticky power door lock or two, I've got little to complain about. Wife bitches about the mileage, but hell, it ain't a  prius, it's a V8, all wheel drive SUV, and for what it is, I'm happy.

By the way, tires are Goodyear wrangler AT's, 235/75/15. I'll post back when/if I find more on the issue. Thanks all :)
'98 Explorer 5.0
'20 Malibu (I know, Chevy, but, 35MPG. Let's go brandon, eh)

Mountaineer has some not-so-good vibes.

Reply #6 –
BOOH!

I have a 98 mountaineer that did/does the same thing.  The front drive shaft with the c/v coupling at the transfer case is the culprit.  Without the drive shaft in it rides very smooth.  Is it a very high frequency vibration?  Mine vibrates in the steering wheel too but not left to right like a bad tire or rotor, more like a bad misfire vibration only a higher frequency.  Go price a new driveshaft but be prepared to puke in your mouth a little. The c/v is not serviceable.
One 88

Mountaineer has some not-so-good vibes.

Reply #7 –
Quote from: ThunderbirdSport302;403199
The tires were new, put on in March by the previous owner, but the right rear has had 3 flats, 2 from the same hole, first of which was improperly patched. It was driven about half a mile extremely low before I realized it was near flat.
AFAIK know the wheels are good, and am trying to get an appointment at the place the tires were bought to have them rebalanced. Tomorrow I'm going to check the u joints and go from there. However, since it only does it at a certain speed, my gut is a tire is coming apart.

Other than the brakes, hubs, and of course a sticky power door lock or two, I've got little to complain about. Wife bitches about the mileage, but hell, it ain't a  prius, it's a V8, all wheel drive SUV, and for what it is, I'm happy.

By the way, tires are Goodyear wrangler AT's, 235/75/15. I'll post back when/if I find more on the issue. Thanks all :)

 
My guess would be tires right off the bat. just because they were put on recently, doesnt mean there still in balance.  and since you had a couple flats with one. i wouldnt be surprised that that is the issue.
 

Mountaineer has some not-so-good vibes.

Reply #8 –
Quote from: CougarSE;403205
BOOH!

I have a 98 mountaineer that did/does the same thing.  The front drive shaft with the c/v coupling at the transfer case is the culprit.  Without the drive shaft in it rides very smooth.  Is it a very high frequency vibration?  Mine vibrates in the steering wheel too but not left to right like a bad tire or rotor, more like a bad misfire vibration only a higher frequency.  Go price a new driveshaft but be prepared to puke in your mouth a little. The c/v is not serviceable.

Claude! That's exactly what it feels like..the steering wheel vibrates a little..the console shakes like hell though. I'll rebalance the tires first, if that doesn't cure it, guess I'll dig into the cv shaft. A lot of parts were replaced since Steve bought it (previous owner) and I've done my share as well. I'd not be surprised that the cv shaft(s) are in need of replacement...this thing was a wreck when Steve bought it in February. It ran on it's own, but that was about it lol.


It's got new:
tires
brakes, both side front hubs/bearing assy's
rotors (all 4)
 ball joints
alignment (needs redone, still some neg. camber in right front)
new plugs, wires, exhaust etc
'98 Explorer 5.0
'20 Malibu (I know, Chevy, but, 35MPG. Let's go brandon, eh)