X has started to make some noise when slowing down going through a corner.
I had done brakes sometime back and am going to replace the calipers because they seem to be draging.
When looking at the backside of the knuckle, I found an "oring" that is just floating around the axle.
In looking at both sides of the X, these orings are on both the axle and knuckle sides of the u joints.
They are not part of the u joints.
Any idea what they are for or did they break off somehow?
They are maybe 1/4" wide and 1/8" thick. They are flat and not really Orings.
Possible part number D768-1 which is what I can see stamped on them?
Yes, I am also going to repack the needle bearings.
Front diff fluid level is fine, no leaks from whatever these things are.
I guess I am too new to post pictures.
Thanks
Shadetreetx

02X 4x4 7.3 PSD 190K

 

I think those are considered dust rings and are supposed to keep big junk away from the seals. Kind of an initial splash guard. Over time, they break off from the part that holds them and then just roll around on the axle.

I have been told it's not an essential part but I would like to hear others opinions.

 

I don't think they are that necessary as in tearing the truck down to replace them. However, when I did my ball joints, I replaced all the seals including that dust seal.

 

X2
Can't just say "X2" here, so now I made the 10 character min.

 

Those are the axle tube dust seals. If you go off-road in loose dirt/sand/mud I would replace them. If not, let them hang loose until you have things apart already. They are not imperative if you don't frequently operate in a dusty or gritty environment. Mine have been popped out for years...

As for the noise from the front end. Jack up the right front tire. Put one hand at 12 o clock and one at 6. Push in and out alternating to see if there is any play in the wheel bearings. If there is any noticeable play they should be replaced. Repeat for the left front.

I had a faint squeaking coming from the front right when I made left hand turns. I couldn't feel the play when driving but with the wheel jacked up it was obvious.

 

I figured they were there for a reason but have not been able to see what/where they broke off of.
Since there is no grease being thrown around, they are just going to stay floating around.
It is always a street X, use the 4wd on boat ramps and when it gets icy.
Thanks for the replies.
Shadetreetx

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...n-i-think.html

does it look like this in the picture 2 on a thread i started a while back ?

i must have had some muck in there once , was going to replace bearings as noise was deafening , then all of a sudden it just went away.

the seal is still hanging there now 2 years later and wheel bearings are fine , no play in them and no noise.