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Thomas Ford 85-16
Top Member
USA
4177 Posts |
 Posted - 01/04/2003 : 07:36:59 AM
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The driveshaft on my bus (or it appear to be the driveshaft since the noise comes from beneath the aisle) always seems to rumble loudly between 44 and 47 miles per hour. I've had this "problem" for the four years I've owned the bus but and it doesn't seem to cause a hazard so I'm not that concerned as of yet. But would you have any idea what the problem might be? Any remedies? If you need any info about the drivetrain, it's a Ford B700 chassis with an 8.2L Detroit Diesel, AT545 transmission and air brakes (if the air brakes would affect the design of the rear end at all.). Thanks!
Stop at: http://buses.thesummit.biz
This is an industry where people brag about their times for 60-0, not 0-60. |
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MechanicMike
Active Member
USA
13 Posts |
Posted - 01/04/2003 : 11:03:33 AM
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Our district had 1992 Thomas Fords with the same exact problem. We had to contact Ford and they replaced the driveshafts, since they at risk for causing very serious problems to the chassis. They told us not to use the buses until they had the new driveshafts and you really shouldn't either, unless you want to pay for problems in the long run. I wish you luck, but be prepared to pay serious cash!
note: my e-mail address is not registered yet, so just contact me on here. Thanks!
Mike Johnson: Chief Mechanic of the Kane, PA Central School District. |
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Thomas Ford 85-16
Top Member
USA
4177 Posts |
Posted - 01/04/2003 : 11:05:28 AM
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quote:
Our district had 1992 Thomas Fords with the same exact problem. We had to contact Ford and they replaced the driveshafts, since they at risk for causing very serious problems to the chassis. They told us not to use the buses until they had the new driveshafts and you really shouldn't either, unless you want to pay for problems in the long run. I wish you luck, but be prepared to pay serious cash!
note: my e-mail address is not registered yet, so just contact me on here. Thanks!
Mike Johnson: Chief Mechanic of the Kane, PA Central School District.
Thank you very much! Did they replace them for free? If they did, that would be a lifesaver for me!!! I'm a private owner of this bus and have a very tight budget, but if it is a quality problem on part of Ford I would expect them to pay for it.
Stop at: http://buses.thesummit.biz
This is an industry where people brag about their times for 60-0, not 0-60. |
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MechanicMike
Active Member
USA
13 Posts |
Posted - 01/04/2003 : 11:20:43 AM
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We got it replaced out of warranty. It sounds like your bus is out of warranty so you would have to be very lucky to get a free replacement. You should ask the previous owner if they had the problem as well. I do not know how much a new driveshaft would cost, but a thousand to two thousand dollars is my best guess.
Mike Johnson: Chief Mechanic of the Kane, PA Central School District. |
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thomas86_a
Top Member
USA
4413 Posts |
Posted - 01/04/2003 : 11:30:13 AM
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Yes I think it will be hard for you to get a free replacement since it is out of warranty and you aren't the original owner. But it wouldn't hurt to contact them and see what they say.
"America's #1 Conventional School Bus- Thomas/International."
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Buskid
Top Member
USA
3368 Posts |
Posted - 01/04/2003 : 11:49:48 AM
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I do not know how much a new driveshaft would cost, but a thousand to two thousand dollars is my best guess.
Just to give you an idea, a new driveshaft for the Crown I used to own cost around $1500.00. My total bill was more around $1800.00, but I also purchased tires, etc., when I had it in for work that time.
Crown Supercoach - The “Royalty” of Pupil Transportation |
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KMM
Advanced Member
USA
271 Posts |
Posted - 01/04/2003 : 11:59:47 AM
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Since it is a known problem, check first with Ford to see if their is a recall on it before spending money with the dealer to have it fixed. If there is no warranty, you may try replacing universal joints or having the drive shaft balanced (If it can be) before spending money on the drive shaft. (The above will have to be replaced anyway!)
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wsauer3481
Senior Member
USA
65 Posts |
Posted - 01/04/2003 : 1:12:57 PM
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you have 3 center bearings to suppor the drive shaft. and you probably have 4 or 5 u joints on that drive shaft. any of those components could be the caus of your vibration.
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BusInspector
Active Member
USA
11 Posts |
Posted - 01/05/2003 : 7:16:31 PM
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One other thing to check is if all the shafts are in proper alignment. If one of the yolks was installed or reinstalled out of phase this could also produce the vibration. Remember even a shaft that is 90 degrees out of phase can cause a vibration.
DOT Nick |
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bbird66
Top Member
USA
881 Posts |
Posted - 01/06/2003 : 11:18:19 AM
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Does it have a noticeable vibration or is it just a howling noise? Under power or on a level road?. Could be a rear diff. problem too. But I think Bus Insp.is on the right track.
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Thomas Ford 85-16
Top Member
USA
4177 Posts |
Posted - 01/06/2003 : 2:30:24 PM
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I've never really noticed any vibration, it's more of just a howling or rumbling noise. It seems to happen on any terrain because I don't ever recall going 45 MPH without it making the noise. Thanks!
Stop at: http://buses.thesummit.biz
This is an industry where people brag about their times for 60-0, not 0-60. |
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Topic |
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Noisy Driveshaft
