Driveline Angle Measurement

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Montego, 2006 Ford Freestyle, and 2006 Ford Five Hundred. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

SPECIAL TOOL(S)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Anglemaster II Driveline Inclinometer/Protractor 164-R2402 or equivalent

NOTE:

This procedure does not apply to Constant Velocity Joints (CVJ), flex couplers or double cardan joints that are used in some driveshafts. This check is for single cross and roller style joints found in the driveshafts.
Prior to checking driveline angularity, inspect the U-joints for correct operation.
An incorrect driveline angle can cause a vibration or shudder. For additional information, refer to PINPOINT TEST A: BRAKE VIBRATION/SHUDDER DIAGNOSIS .
Driveline angularity is the angular relationship between the engine crankshaft, the driveshaft and the rear axle pinion. Factors determining driveline angularity include ride height, rear spring and engine mounts.

All vehicles

Carry out the following preliminary setup steps:
- Inspect the U-joints for correct operation.
- Park the vehicle on a level surface such as a drive-on hoist, or back onto a front end alignment rack.
- Verify the curb position ride height is within specifications with the vehicle unloaded and all of the tires are inflated to their normal operating pressures.
- Calibrate the special tool by placing the tool on a clean, flat level section of the frame rail and press the ALT-ZERO button.

Vehicles with flat flanged, split pin or slip flanged U-joints

NOTE:

If equipped, remove the snap ring to allow access to the base of the U-joint cup. Make sure the tool is seated against the U-joint cup.
Rotate the driveshaft until the flange universal joint cup is parallel with the floor. This will simplify taking measurements.

Fig 1: Checking Flange Angle (1 Of 2)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 2: Checking Flange Angle (2 Of 2)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

To check the U-joint operating angle, install the special tool. Check and record the flange angle as angle A.
Using the special tool, measure the slope of the connecting component. Record the measurements of the component's angle as angle B.

Fig 3: Measuring Slope Of Connecting Component Angle
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Multiple piece driveshafts

NOTE:

Repeat this step for each center support bearing on the driveshaft.
It is not necessary to remove the U-joint snap ring, if equipped, for these measurements.

Fig 4: Identifying Multiple Piece Driveshafts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the special tool, measure the slope of the components in front and behind the center support bearing U-joint in the area indicated. Record the front component as angle A and the rear component as angle B.

All vehicles

NOTE: When 2 connected components slope in the same direction, subtract the smallest number from the larger number to find the U-joint operating angle. When 2 connected components slope in the opposite direction, add the measurements to find the U-joint operating angle.

Calculate the difference in the slope of the components to determine the U-joint operating angle.
- The U-joint operating angle is the angle formed by 2 yokes connected by a cross and bearing kit. Ideally, the operating angles on each connection of the driveshaft must:
- be equal or within 1 degree of each other.
- have a 3 degree maximum operating angle.
- have at least 1/2 of 1 degree continuous operating angle.
If the angle is not within specifications, repair or adjust to obtain the correct angle. Inspect the engine mounts, transmission mounts, center support bearing mounting, rear suspension, rear axle, rear axle mounting or the frame for wear or damage.