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Driveline Angle Adjustment

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Ford Pickup. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE: Some vehicles may exhibit a drive-away shudder or vibration under moderate to heavy acceleration from a stop, especially when heavily loaded or when towing a trailer. It is important to confirm how the vehicle is driven the majority of the time (loaded or unloaded), as adjusting the driveline angle in one condition (loaded or unloaded) may result in a shudder or vibration with the vehicle in the opposite condition (loaded or unloaded).
NOTE: Verify suspension is not modified from the original configuration. Aftermarket leveling kits and rear leaf spring shackle kits change ride height, which affects pinion angle and other critical driveline related operating angles. Vehicle must be at Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specifications before accurate evaluation and diagnosis can be performed.
NOTE: The driveline angle must be measured with the vehicle in the same condition as the concern (loaded or unloaded) to determine the amount of adjustment necessary to correct the condition.
  1. Measure the driveline angle. For additional information, refer to DRIVELINE ANGLE MEASUREMENT  .
    • If the driveline does not have an optimum 3.5 degree operating range, proceed to the following adjustment steps using the parts listed in the table below.
    Part Number Part Name
    5A313 1 degree pinion angle shim
    5A313 2 degree pinion angle shim
    00812 Upper u-bolt center plate bolt (4 required)
    5705 U-bolt (4 required)
    W520215 U-bolt nut (8 required)
    W713078 Center bearing support bolt
    W713649 Center bearing support nut
    4A209 Center bearing support shim
    506545 Shock absorber lower bolt
    W520214 Shock absorber lower nut
    NOTE: The driveline angle on these vehicles can be changed by adding 1 degree or 2 degree pinion angle shims.
  2. Remove and discard the shock absorber lower nut and bolt.
    3. NOTE: To change the pinion angle.
  3. Using a suitable jack to support the rear axle, remove and discard the 8 u-bolt nuts and the 4 u-bolts. For additional information, REFER to REAR SUSPENSION .
    4. NOTE: Replace one bolt at time.
  4. Replace the upper u-bolt center plate bolts. For additional information, REFER to REAR SUSPENSION .
    • Install the new bolts and tighten to 102 Nm (75 lb-ft).
    5. NOTE: Never use more then 1 shim on a side at a time.
  5. Install desired shim on the axle spring seat, or on top of the 4x4 spacer block.
    • Lower the axle pinion using the thick edge of the shim forward, to decrease pinion angle.
    • Raise the axle pinion using the thick edge of the shim rearward, to increase pinion angle.
  6. Install 4 new u-bolts and 8 new u-bolt nuts. With the suspension at curb height, tighten the new u-bolt nuts evenly in a cross-type pattern in 4 stages. For additional information, REFER to REAR SUSPENSION .
    • Stage 1: Tighten in a cross pattern to 35 Nm (26 lb-ft).
    • Stage 2: Tighten in a cross pattern to 70 Nm (52 lb-ft).
    • Stage 3: Tighten in a cross pattern to 100 Nm (74 lb-ft).
    • Stage 4: Tighten in a cross pattern to 133 Nm (98 lb-ft).
  7. Install a new shock absorber lower nut and bolt. For additional information, REFER to REAR SUSPENSION .
    • Tighten the new nut and bolt to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
    8. NOTE: If adjusting axle pinion angle to reduce/eliminate driveline vibration or moan causes an issue with shudder on acceleration, then the pinion angle must be adjusted to optimize the balance between perceived vibration/moan and perceived shudder.
    NOTE: Shims can be used to lower the center bearing support and minimize this condition. Up to 3 shims may be installed. The center bearing support bolts must be replaced using the part listed in the table or new grade 10.9 bolts. The bolts should be long enough to extend at least 3 threads past the nuts.
  8. Measure the driveline angle again. For additional information, refer to DRIVELINE ANGLE MEASUREMENT  .
    • If necessary, remove and discard the 2 center bearing support bolts and install shims in 1/4 inch increments to lower the center bearing support.
    • Install 2 new bolts and tighten to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).
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