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Driveshaft RUNOUT And Balance

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Mazda Tribute. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Remove the rear tires. Refer to WHEEL AND TIRE .
    • Install the lug nuts to retain the brake drums.
      Fig 1: Installing Lug Nuts To Retain Brake Drums
      G01900502Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
  2. Check the rear driveshaft attachment. If there are any worn parts, new parts need to be installed.
    Fig 2: Measuring Runout At Front, Center, And Rear Of Driveshaft Using Special Tool
    G01900503Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
  3. Using the special tool, measure the runout at the front, the center, and the rear of the driveshaft.
  4. If the runout measurements are within the specifications, proceed to Step  14 .
  5. If the runout measurements exceed the specifications at the front of the center, then install a new driveshaft. Refer to DRIVESHAFT  .
  6. If the runout measurements exceed the specifications at the rear, mark the rear runout high point on the driveshaft.
  7. Scribe alignment marks on the driveshaft and the axle pinion flange.
  8. Index the driveshaft. Refer to DRIVESHAFT INDEXING  .
    Fig 3: Measuring Runout At Rear Of Driveshaft Using Special Tool
    G01900504Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
  9. Using the special tool, measure the runout at the rear of the driveshaft.
  10. If the runout measurement is within specifications, proceed to Step  14 .
  11. If the runout measurement still exceeds the specification at the rear, mark the rear runout high point on the driveshaft.
    NOTE:
    • Excessive driveshaft runout may originate in the driveshaft itself or in the axle pinion flange.
  12. Compare the two high points marked in Steps 6 and 11.
    • If the marks are within 25 mm (1 in.), then install a new driveshaft. Refer to DRIVESHAFT  .
    • If the marks are not within 25 mm (1 in.), balance the driveshaft then proceed to Step  14 .
    CAUTION:
    • To prevent overheating, do not run the vehicle on the hoist for an extended period of time. 
    • Record baseline speed with the transaxle in gear.
    • Increase the vehicle speed to the maximum vibration level.
    • Record the speed of the vibration as a baseline.
      WARNING:
      • Keep hands away from the balance weights while the driveshaft is rotating. 
  13. With the transaxle in gear, run the vehicle with the driveshaft rotating 97-113 km/h (60-70 mph).
    WARNING:
    • Keep hands away from the balance weights while the driveshaft is rotating. 
  14. Have an assistant contact the driveshaft with a marker in the rear, middle and front end to indicate heavy spots.
    Fig 4: Installing Two Screw-Type Hose Clamps On Driveshaft
    G01900505Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
    WARNING:
    • Keep hands away from the balance weights while the driveshaft is rotating. 
  15. To balance the driveshaft, install two screw-type hose clamps on the driveshaft and rotate them in 90 degree intervals. Check the vibration for each position and place the screws at the position that produces the least vibration.
  16. Run the vehicle at the baseline speed.
    Fig 5: Identifying Hose Clamps Rotating Angle
    G01900506Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
  17. If the vibration is still evident, rotate the clamps away from each other until the driveshaft is balanced.