I just installed a couple of new moog tie rod ends along with new break pads, rotors, and bearings on my 86 F150 2WD.


Moog ES2077RT Tie Rod End
Moog ES2078LT Tie Rod End


The boots on the tie rod ends are now touching the back of the dust shield on both sides.


Did I do something wrong, or is this normal?
Should I spray some kind of lubricant between the two?
Should I try to push in on the boot to maneuver it back toward the joint or just leave it alone.


I noticed the moog tie rod ends were bigger than the original ends that were on the truck.


Thanks,
Cody

 

The dust shield is attached to the spindle, the same as the tie rod end. There may be a very very slight rubbing when turning or going over bumps, but I doubt it will be a problem.

 

I am taking it to get it aligned this morning. I just wanted to make sure it was ok before I spent the money.

Thanks,
Cody

 

Yeah, I wouldn't worry about it. Any lube will attract dirt and/or be washed away, so I'd just leave it.

 

Got the front end aligned this morning after installing the new rotors, wheel bearings, break pads, and tierod ends. Now between from about 50 to 65 mph I hear a very faint roaring/whistling sound. It's so faint I can't quite tell what it is. I can only hear it with the window down. Do the bearings need time to be break in? I torqued them to 25ft-lb while rotating the rotor the opposite direction backed off 1/4 of a turn then tightned with using just my hand and the socket.

 

pretty static joint. over the course of years it may rub through...but I'd just leave her alone

 

Give all the components time to settle in and relate. I'd give it 200 on the odometer and then question their relation.

 

Ten Characters

 

I drove about 75 miles today. It typically takes me 2 weeks to drive that many miles. I will will give it another few weeks for the break in period. Thanks for the advice.

 

I spent 50$ to get aligned this morning. That's a good enough incentive for me not to touch it. Lol

 

What are the trucks specs?
Like motor, trany, 4x2 or 4x4 (transfer case) and if you know the axle ratios?
Have you checked the trany, F/C & axle lube levels?
Any of them being low and run low for a long time can cause the noise you have.
Dave ----

 

1986
F150
Rear Wheel Drive
4.9L Duraspark II Ignition Swap
NP435C 4 Speed Transmission
3.00 Rear End


I checked but did not replace the transmission and the rear end gear oil levels. Both looked great.


The truck is going on 31 years old, and I have to keep that in the back of my mind.


Thanks,
Cody

 

Being you only hear it with the window down if it is running, hood open do you hear it then or only when moving?


If hood open and running it could be the timing gears as I have seen posts they can make noise.
If moving then trany or rear axle. If you can get it in the air supported safely put it in gear get out and see if you can hear it then. If not then it could be axle bearing(s) as there is no weight on them but could be something else as the drive train in not under a load.


You are right on the 31 YO and we all make noise as we get older
Dave ----

 

It appears that you have new brake pads on the front. It might be a slight glaze on the pads, that needs to wear off.

 

Is it possible one of the dust shields got bent while you were working on it and is now rubbing against the brake rotor? You could try jacking up each wheel and spinning it to see if there is any noise.