Driveshaft Balancing - Hose Clamp Method

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Lincoln Town Car. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Install 1 or 2 hose clamps on the driveshaft, near the rear. Position of the hose clamp head(s) can be determined through trial and error.
Mark the rear of the driveshaft into 4 approximately equal sectors and number the marks 1 through 4. Install a hose clamp on the driveshaft with its head at position No. 1, as shown in the illustration below. Check for vibration at road speed. Recheck with the clamp at each of the other positions to find the position that shows minimum vibration. If 2 adjacent positions show equal improvement, position the clamp head between them.

Fig 1: Marking Rear Driveshaft Into Four Equal Sections

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

If the vibration persists, add a second clamp at the same position and recheck for vibration.

Fig 2: Adding A Second Clamp

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

If no improvement is noted, rotate the clamps in opposite directions, equal distances from the best position determined in Step 2. Separate the clamp heads about 13 mm (1/2 in) and recheck for vibration at the road speed.

Fig 3: Rotating Clamps In Opposite Directions

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Repeat the process with increasing separation until the best combination is found or the vibration is reduced to an acceptable level.