Driveshaft Balancing - Using the Mastertech® Series MTS 4000 Driveline Balance and NVH Analyzer (Vetronix)

All vehicles 

1. Install the Mastertech® Series MTS 4000 Driveline Balance and NVH Analyzer (Vetronix) to the vehicle.
2. Working under the vehicle, install an accelerometer. The accelerometer can be attached and mounted near either the transmission or differential end of the driveshaft.
3. Clean an area of the driveshaft and install the reflective tape, then install the photo-tachometer sensor. The sensor should be placed at approximately a 20-degree angle from perpendicular to the surface of the reflective tape. Make sure the sensor does not get moved during the balance procedure.
   1. Reflective tape.
   2. Photo-tachometer sensor.
Fig 1: Driveshaft Balancing - Using the MTS 4000
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
4. Using the Mastertech® Series MTS 4000 Driveline Balance and NVH Analyzer (Vetronix), run a driveshaft balance test with the driveshaft unmodified.

Vehicles with tapped pinion flanges 

5. Label the tapped holes in the pinion flange numerically, starting at the top hole as 1. Mark the remaining holes 2, 3 and 4. Label in the direction of rotation.
Fig 2: Labeling Tapped Holes In The Pinion Flange
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
6. Using the Mastertech® Series MTS 4000 Driveline Balance and NVH Analyzer (Vetronix), run a second test with the 12 mm (0.47 in) test weight set screw in the No. 1 hole, previously marked on the pinion flange.
7. Remove the test weight, then install the weight combination directed by the Mastertech® Series MTS 4000 Driveline Balance and NVH Analyzer (Vetronix).
Fig 3: Installing Weight Combination
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Vehicles without tapped pinion flanges 

8. Using the Mastertech® Series MTS 4000 Driveline Balance and NVH Analyzer (Vetronix), run a second test with a test weight. Using a metal band, secure the test weight to the end of the driveshaft. The weight should be placed at the end of the driveshaft tube, as close to the tube-to-yoke weld seam as possible. Mark the location of the test weight on the driveshaft, as shown in the figure below.
   1. Test weight.
   2. Tube-to-yoke weld seam.
   3. Driveshaft pinion flange.
   4. Select the test weight based on driveshaft size. Larger driveshafts use 10 g (0.353 oz). Smaller driveshafts use 5 g (0.176 oz).
Fig 4: Test Weight, Tube-To-Yoke Weld Seam, And Driveshaft Pinion Flange
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
9. Remove the test weight, then install the recommended weight at the position directed by the Mastertech® Series MTS 4000 Driveline Balance and NVH Analyzer (Vetronix). Using a metal band and epoxy, secure the test weight to the driveshaft, as shown in the figure below.
   1. Test weight.
   2. Measure in this direction.
   3. Driveshaft diameter.
   4. Directional rotation.
   5. Balance weight relative to test weight centerline.
   6. The results are displayed with respect to the location to where the test weight was placed.
Fig 5: Installing Weight In Recommended Position
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

All vehicles 

10. Using the Mastertech® Series MTS 4000 Driveline Balance and NVH Analyzer (Vetronix), run a third test to verify the repair.