Got a 1999 ford f150 2 wheel drive. I have replaced both upper and lower control arms with ball joints on both sides. New shocks, new stablelizer links, new inner and outer tie rod ends. Also, a new steering gear and i still have popping noise coming from both sides around the wheel area when i enter or leave out of drive ways, turning, or running in a hole. Doesnt do in going straight. I dont know what else to do. Driving me insane. I keep spending money on this truck and still where i first started. Can someone help me please before i set this ford on fire and have a wiennie roast.

 

you have pretty well covered everything. Popping is normally a loose fitting like worn out stabilizer links, worn out shock mount rubbers, or loose clamps around the rubber mounts on the stabilizer bar ....... I know you have looked and replaced some of that, but if the ball joints are new, then the mounts above are normally the cause of pop.

 

I replaced bushings on the stabilizer bar. I'll go back and make sure that I tightened them enough. I noticed tonight that it pops when starting off and coming to a stop also. Now I'm thinking it may be a motor mount --- I don't know but I'm frustrated! Thanks for responding. Any other ideas?

 

have you checked the brake pads?
Or...the wheel bearings?

 

OK, I thought you ment it popped when you hit a bump. If it does it when you accelerate or brake, it could be motor mount, transmission mount, rear spring mounts, drive shaft mount , rear axle bolting.... anything that can "FLEX" or move when you torque up the motor.
Set in the drive way, motor running, foot on the brake, pull gear shift into drive... do you hear the "pop" .......... if so, look under the truck at driveshaft area / axle while someone else is shifting in and out of gear.. Don't get under the truck !

 

Yes it does pop in a hole also. Ill try that you mention in the driveway. may have multiple different pops going on. Let you know.

 

Pop or clunk?
I like the driveway test, good idea.
Also, if "clunk" when starting from stop, or stopping, could be the slip yoke at the transmission/drive shaft connection. My 1997 was dry as a bone and sticking, thus clunking when starting or stopping. Removed drive shaft, greased liberally, all better.

 

Make sure everything in the engine bay is secure. Like your battery.

 

I did the 12 & 6 test with the tire. There is a little movement on drivers side and a little pop when i do it. Could this be a bearing? Not quite sure how or what to check on the brake pads.
Checked all mounts and did the putting in gear to see if theres a pop. None.

 

You said you just put new ball joint in. Should not have any movement with new joints. There is very very little if any clearance in the bearing itself...... Jack the tire up 2 inches off the ground with a jack under the lower control arm ( under the shock). That keeps the truck basically in the position it is when running down the road. Put a 4 ft 2 x 4 edge under the tire sticking out from the side. Pry the tire up and down so the truck rocks. Have a buddy look under the truck to see what is moving when you do that. With new ball joints, you should not have movement.