Drive/Propeller Shafts, Bearings and Joints: Testing and Inspection
Driveline Angle Inspection
Special Service tools
Alignment Tool
1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Remove the support bracket.
3. NOTE: Right-hand shown, Left-hand similar.
Detach the rear muffler and tailpipe exhaust hanger insulator.
4. CAUTION: Using a suitable transmission jack, support the intermediate muffler.
Detach the intermediate muffler exhaust hanger insulators.
5. Remove the driveshaft heat shield.
1. Remove the retaining bolts.
2. Remove the driveshaft heat shield.
6. Loosen the driveshaft centre bearing retaining bolts two complete turns.
7. CAUTION: Make sure the driveshaft centre bearing is correctly aligned to the driveshaft. Failure to follow these instructions may result in damage to the vehicle.
Using the special tool, align driveshaft centre bearing.
^ Tighten to 40 Nm.
8. Install the driveshaft heat shield retaining bolts.
1. Install the driveshaft heat shield.
2. Install the driveshaft heat shield retaining bolts.
^ Tighten to 7 Nm.
9. Attach the intermediate muffler exhaust hanger insulators.
10. NOTE: Right-hand shown, Left-hand similar.
Attach the rear muffler and tailpipe exhaust hanger insulator.
11. Install the support bracket.
^ Tighten to 9 Nm.
Driveline System
The driveline transfers engine torque to the drive wheels. Power is transmitted through the transmission to the driveshaft and then to the rear drive axle which is connected to the rear drive halfshaft.
For additional information on the rear drive halfshaft, refer to Rear Drive Halfshafts.
For additional information on the driveshaft, refer to Driveshaft.
For additional information on the rear drive axle.
The engine angle is built into the engine mounts. If the engine angle is out of specification, the engine mounts must be inspected for damage.
Driveline Vibration
Driveline vibration exhibits a higher frequency and lower amplitude than high-speed shake. Driveline vibration is directly related to the speed of the vehicle and is usually noticed at various speed ranges. Driveline vibration can be felt as a tremor in the floorpan or is heard as a rumble, hum, or boom. Driveline vibration can exist in all drive modes, but may exhibit different symptoms depending upon whether the vehicle is accelerating, decelerating, cruising, or coasting. Check the driveline angles if the vibration is particularly noticeable during acceleration or deceleration, especially at lower speeds.
In order to diagnose vibrations in the driveshaft, refer to the Jaguar approved diagnostic system for analysis/rectification.
Driveline Angle
Driveline angularity is the angular relationship between the engine crankshaft, the driveshaft, and the rear drive axle pinion. Factors determining driveline angularity include ride height, rear springs and engine mounts.
An incorrect driveline (pinion) angle can often be detected by the driving condition in which the vibration occurs.
^ A vibration during coasting from 45 to 35 mph (72 to 56 km/h) is often caused by a high pinion angle.
^ A vibration during acceleration from 35 to 45 mph (56 to 72 km/h) may indicate a low pinion angle.
When these conditions exist, check the driveline angles.
If the tires and driveline angle are not the cause, carry out the Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) tests to determine whether the concern is caused by a condition in the driveline.
Vehicle Certification (VC) Label
For additional information on the vehicle certification (VC) label, refer to Indentification and Codes.
Rear Drive Axle Identification Tag
Rear Drive Axle Identification Tag Denoting Interchangeability Affected Internally
CAUTION: The rear drive axle identification tag is the official identifier. Do not damage the tag. Always reinstall the tag after removing it.
The plant code denotes a particular rear drive axle design and specific ratio. In addition, the plant code will not change as long as that particular rear drive axle never undergoes an external design change. If, however, an internal design change takes place during the production life of the rear drive axle and that internal change affects parts interchangeability, a dash and numerical suffix is added to the plant code. This means that as an assembly both rear drive axles are interchangeable; however, internally they are different. Therefore, each requires different internal parts at the time of repair.
Driveline System
Inspection and Verification
Certain driveline trouble symptoms are also common to the engine, transmission, wheel bearings, tires, and other parts of the vehicle. For this reason, make sure that the cause of the trouble is in the driveline before adjusting, repairing, or installing any new components. For additional information, Information and codes.
1. Verify the customer concern by carrying out a road test of the vehicle.
2. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical damage.
3. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.
4. If the concern is not visually evident, verify the symptom and refer to the Symptom Chart.
Rear Drive Axle Noise
Gear Howl and Whine
Howling or whining of the ring gear and pinion is due to an incorrect gear pattern, gear damage or incorrect bearing preload.
Bearing Whine
Bearing whine is a high-pitched sound similar to a whistle. It is usually caused by worn/damaged pinion bearings, which are operating at driveshaft speed. Bearing noise occurs at all driving speeds. This distinguishes it from gear whine which is speed dependent.
As noted, pinion bearings make a high-pitched, whistling noise, usually at all speeds. If however there is only one pinion bearing that is worn/damaged, the noise may vary in different driving phases.
A wheel bearing noise can be mistaken for a pinion bearing noise.
Chuckle
Chuckle that occurs on the coast driving phase is usually caused by excessive clearance between the differential gear hub and the differential case bore.
Damage to a gear tooth on the coast side can cause a noise identical to a chuckle. A very small tooth nick or ridge on the edge of a tooth can cause the noise.
Knock
Knock, which can occur on all driving phases, has several causes including damaged teeth or gear set.
A gear tooth damaged on the drive side is a common cause of the knock.
Clunk
Clunk is a metallic noise heard when the automatic transmission is engaged in REVERSE or DRIVE. The noise may also occur when the throttle is applied or released. Clunk is caused by backlash in the driveline or loose suspension components and is felt or heard in the vicinity of the Rear drive axle.
Bearing Rumble
Bearing rumble sounds like marbles being tumbled. This condition is usually caused by a worn/damaged wheel bearing. The lower pitch is because the wheel bearing turns at only about one-third of the driveshaft speed. Wheel bearing noise also may be high-pitched, similar to gear noise, but will be evident in all four driving modes.
Symptom Chart
Condition(s):
Noise is at constant tone over a narrow vehicle speed range. Usually heard on light drive and coast conditions
Possible Source(s):
^ Rear drive axle.
Action(s) to take:
^ For additional information,
Go to [A]
Noise is the same on drive or coast
Possible Source(s):
^ Road.
^ Wheel bearing.
Action(s) to take:
^ Normal conditions.
^ CHECK and INSTALL a new wheel bearing as necessary. For additional information, Rear Suspension.
Possible Source(s):
^ Worn or damaged driveshaft joint.
Action(s) to take:
^ INSTALL new components as necessary.
Possible Source(s):
^ Driveshaft center bearing.
Action(s) to take:
^ INSTALL new components as necessary.
Noise is produced with the vehicle standing and driving
Possible Source(s):
^ Engine
Action(s) to take:
^ For additional information, REFER to Engine Systems.
Possible Source(s):
^ Transmission
Action(s) to take:
^ For additional information, refer to Automatic Transmission/Transaxles or Manual Transmission/Transaxles.
Noise is more pronounced while turning
Possible Source(s):
^ Differential side gears and pinion gears.
Action(s) to take:
^ For additional information, REFER to Rear Drive Axle/Differential.
Loud Clunk in the Driveline When Shifting from Reverse to Forward
Possible Source(s):
^ Engine idle speed set too high.
^ Engine mount.
Action(s) to take:
^ Check and adjust as necessary. For additional information, REFER to Electronic Engine Controls 2.5L/3.0L, 4.2L or
^ INSPECT and INSTALL new engine mounts as necessary.
Possible Source(s):
^ Transmission Mount.
Action(s) to take:
^ INSPECT and INSTALL new transmission mounts as necessary.
Possible Source(s):
^ Transmission.
Action(s) to take:
^ For additional information, REFER to Automatic Transmission/Transaxles or Manual Transmission/Transaxles.
Possible Source(s):
^ Suspension components.
Action(s) to take:
^ INSPECT and INSTALL new suspension components as necessary.
Possible Source(s):
^ Backlash in the driveline.
Action(s) to take:
^ INSTALL new components as necessary.
Clicking, Popping, or Grinding Noises
Possible Source(s):
^ Inadequate or contaminated lubrication in the rear drive halfshaft constant velocity (CV) joint.
^ Another component contacting the rear drive halfshaft.
^ Wheel bearings, brakes or suspension components.
Action(s) to take:
^ INSPECT, CLEAN and LUBRICATE with new grease as necessary.
^ INSPECT and REPAIR as necessary.
^ INSPECT and INSTALL new components as necessary.
Vibration at Highway Speeds
Possible Source(s):
^ Out-of-balance wheels or tires.
Action(s) to take:
^ INSTALL new tire(s) as necessary. For additional information, Wheels and Tires.
Possible Source(s):
^ Driveline out of balance/misalignment.
Action(s) to take:
^ For additional information, refer to the Jaguar approved diagnostic system.
Shudder, Vibration During Acceleration
Possible Source(s):
^ Powertrain/driveline misalignment.
Action(s) to take:
^ CHECK for misalignment. INSTALL new components as necessary.
Possible Source(s):
^ High constant velocity (CV) joint operating angles caused by incorrect ride height.
Action(s) to take:
^ CHECK the ride height and VERIFY the correct spring rate. INSTALL new components as necessary.
Lubricant Leak
Possible Source(s):
^ Vent.
Action(s) to take:
^ INSTALL new components as necessary.
Possible Source(s):
^ Damaged seal.
Action(s) to take:
^ INSTALL new components as necessary.
Possible Source(s):
^ Rear drive axle filler plug.
Action(s) to take:
^ INSTALL new components as necessary.
Possible Source(s):
^ Rear drive axle rear cover joint.
Action(s) to take:
^ INSTALL new components as necessary.
A: EXCESSIVE DRIVELINE NOISE
A1: CHECK NOISE FROM VEHICLE ON ROAD TEST
1. Road test vehicle to determine load and speed conditions when noise occurs.
2. Assess the noise with different gears selected.
^ Does the noise occur at the same vehicle speed?
-> Yes
INSTALL a new final drive. TEST the system for normal operation.
-> No
REFER to Engine Systems, Automatic Transmission/Transaxle and Manual Transmission/Transaxles.