Recently developed a noise in my front/left area that I would have bet $$ was a rock or something similar. I have 78F250 with Dana 60 front. Took wheel off yesterday and everything was in order. Don't have a clue now. Any tips or suggestions for my next troubleshooting step would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

Orange784x,
You might wnat to check that your wheel bearings arent coming loose, sometimes when they do youll hear a clicking noise, also I dont know if you have but you might want to check and make sure that you dont have anything metallic rubbing against the back of your rotor if you have disc brakes up front.
Hope it helps,
-Chris

 

iwould bet money on the wheel bearings. replace them and see what happens. does the noise change any when your applying the brake or not? if it doesn't change, go with the bearing.

 

just remembered, does the noise have any relation to the steering as well? could also be a universal.

 

Are the front hubs turned in? Check your u-joints on the front axle. They will give a clicking noise at lower speeds if they are worn. If you can grab them and they move, then they are in need of replacement

 

thanks to all for the tips/replies. I will have to drive it some more this pm to make 100%. I am almost sure it has no relation to steering. The sound stops when I apply brake. I don't hear the noise at high speeds but It may be camoflauged by having windows down and fairly loud exhaust. (truck didn't come with AC). I will check the front u-joints as you refer to fatherdoug. I suppose I will prioritize with u-joints, brake rotor, then wheel bearings. Is wheel bearing replacement a tough job for the average do-it-yourselfer?

 

There is an excellent article in the Sept, 1999 issue of 4Wheel and Off-Road magazine which explains removal of the hub for bearing replacement and/or u-joint replacement. The article is easy to understand and has pictures. The only specialized tool you will need is the hub socket to remove the retaining nuts on the hub. The socket cost $ 10 -15. Back issues of the magazine can be ordered by calling their toll-free number at 1-866-601-5199.

 

Ive had this happen on my truck before, and on a couple other vehicles. What it turned out to be for me was the brakes. Take off your wheel, and move your brake pads around. If they move at all, then its probably the cause of your noise. If their loose, the pad is hitting the rotor and knocking the pad around on the caliper. Since you hit the brakes and it goes away, that seems like the cause. You can pinch the little tabs that hold the pads onto the caliper together and that will tighten them up or wedge something in the gap between those little tabs and the caliper. Hope this isnt too confusing

 

Thanks truckman79. I'll do the brake check first. Hope to have time to work on it some this weekend and post an update reply soon. Haven't had any time the last couple of days.

 

Truckman79 - I'm confident you are right. The brake pad was loose. The "anti-rattle spring" looks in order, but you can pinch the pad and easily wiggle it. I wedged each end of the pad with a small screw. I am anxious to test drive and 100% confirm the fix. While I was at it I decided to check/pack bearings and replace a stripped wheel stud. I am having a devil of time trying to find the right spindle nut socket. None of the parts stores can reference to T59T-1197-B. I've tried 3 different ones from Advance and OReilley and nothing works. Looks like it should be a 4-pin and appx. 2-3/4". I'll try Napa tomorrow. Does anyone have a good site or link to cross reference the Ford part and tool numbers?

 

The pads need to move back and forth when you apply the brakes. Your screws at best will fall out and worst could damage the rotor or caliper or cause uneven wear. If they are loose either the springs are not installed properly or weak.

 

The 1978 ford manual lists two part numbers for the F-250, F-350 Hub socket. They are: T70T-4252-D or T70T-4252E.