Inspection and Verification

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis and 2009 Ford Crown Victoria. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: If equipped with fire suppression system, refer to FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM article for Important Safety Warnings. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

Verify the customer concern.

Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical damage.

VISUAL INSPECTION CHART

Mechanical
U-joints
Driveshaft tubes
Mounting brackets
Flanges
Housing and cover damage
Differential bearings
Differential gearsets
Pinion bearings

If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.
If the cause is not visually evident, verify the symptom and Go to Symptom Chart - Driveline System or Go to Symptom Chart - Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH) .

Certain axle and driveline symptoms are also common to the engine, transmission, wheel bearings, tires and other parts of the vehicle. For this reason, be sure that the cause of the trouble is in the driveline before disassembling, adjusting or repairing the driveline. Refer to NOISE, VIBRATION & HARSHNESS article.