Driveshaft Angle Measurement: Check

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2020 Ford Mustang. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Prior to checking driveline angularity, inspect the U-joints and CV-joints for correct operation.

NOTE: An incorrect driveline angle can cause a vibration or shudder.

NOTE: 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:
1. Inspect the U-joints and CV-Joints for correct operation.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface such as a drive-on hoist or back onto a front end alignment rack.
3. 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.
Vehicles with flex coupling, CV joints
- For auto-transmission: Calibrate the anglemaster by placing it on the any of the transmission fluid pan bolts and press the ALT-ZERO button.
- For Manual transmission: Calibrate the anglemaster by placing it on the transmission drain plug and press the ALT-ZERO button.
- Special Tool(s): Anglemaster II Driveline Inclinometer/Protractor 164-R2402.
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Calibrate the anglemaster by placing it on the clean, flat surface of the drive axle and press the ALT-ZERO button.
- Special Tool(s): Anglemaster II Driveline Inclinometer/Protractor 164-R2402.
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Measure the slope of the front/rear driveshaft. The measured angle will be the front/rear driveshaft operating angle.
- Special Tool(s): Anglemaster II Driveline Inclinometer/Protractor 164-R2402.
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Vehicles with single piece driveshafts
Measure the slope of the front/rear driveshaft. The measured angle will be the front/rear driveshaft operating angle.
- Special Tool(s): Anglemaster II Driveline Inclinometer/Protractor 164-R2402.
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Vehicles with multiple piece driveshafts
NOTE: Rotate the driveshaft until the flange U-joint cup is parallel with the floor. This will simplify taking measurements.

Calibrate the anglemaster by placing it on a clean section of the driveshaft in front of the center support bearing and press the ALT-ZERO button. Measure the slope of the driveshaft behind the center support bearing U-joint in the area indicated. The measured angle will be the U-joint operating angle.
- Special Tool(s): Anglemaster II Driveline Inclinometer/Protractor 164-R2402.
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

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:
1. be equal or within one degree of each other.
2. have a 3 degree maximum operating angle.
3. have at least one-half of one 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.