2004 F-250 FX4 SB 5.4 V8 140k

Issue: rattling/clicking noise from passenger front wheel area at speeds lower than 15MPH, made worse under light braking and/or turns to the right.

Clicking sound is speed dependant.

Spindle? Hub? Balljoint? Sway joint? Rotor Issue?

Any help is appreciated.

 

I had a set of Ultra wheels on a Bronco years ago that had this issue.

It turned out to be the the centercaps.

 

I would blame your inner bearing on the hub bearing assembly. It's unpleasant but that's exactly my own problem. Good news is you can drive the truck for a few thousand miles... before it gets scary.

Eventually it will get louder and noisier at all speeds.

 

Could be something simple - had the brake pad clip on my F250 move out of position and get trapped between the caliper and rotor, made a clicking noise.

 

A rotational sound that is speed dependant pretty much rules out balljoints and sway bar.

Anyway, you have to jack up that corner of the truck and spin the tire/wheel. Do you hear the noise? Grab the tire around its circumference and muscle it around checking for looseness. If you feel looseness, it probably is the hub/bearing. Easily replaceable, but expensive.

If you hear the noise while rotating the tire with the locking hubs free, try locking the hubs. If the noise disappears, it probably is the needle bearing that fits into the hub/bearing. It is easily replaceable and cheap (if it isn't to the point where the axle end is damaged).

You can look for damage to the rotor, and remove the caliper and check things out.

Good luck.

 

I want to mention one more thing...... The sound is not present when cold/first thing in the morning. It takes a good 10 minutes of general driving to begin hearing it.

Does warm up of the components factor into any of your ideas?

Thanks everyone. This is a great forum. I will keep you posted as I get into it.

 

Lock the hubs and see if it stops. If so, it's that inner spindle (needle) bearing.

Lock your hubs

 

Confirmed that the axle/universal turns when rotating the wheel when unlocked / 2WD. From what I read and am told, this is classic of a bad hub/bearing.

I am picking up two new hubs from Napa today (along with new Ford studs and nuts). I will install them this weekend and report back.

 

You don't need the entire hub. You just need the needle bearings, that run $15-20 each.

National (Federal mogul) number B-2110.

 

Really? I thought the hubs were not servicable? Is the needle bearing in the hub assembly?

If the hub is servicable, what is required to remove (clean) and replace the bearing?

Thanks!

 

Not true. You can knock the needle cage out and grease the main one. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7593063

 

Replacing the stub axle after the needles take it out is even more scary.

 

Just fix them

 

Krewat,
Can you give me an actual website to find the needle bearings?

I tried the Federal Mogul site and apparently it doesn't understand what I need.

 

Hi Guys-
I replaced both front hub assemblies today. Clicking/popping from the front end is eliminated!

The job was straight-forward given the help here on the forum. Thanks everyone.

I replaced the hubs with two Napa BR930438 Hub/Bearing units. Both had what appeared to have red grease applied to the needle bearing. I assembled one as-is. On the left side, I added additional bearing grease to the needle bearing by working it in with my fingers. -Edit: This procedure may not be needed nor correct depending on actual bearing assembly and grease status. Not recommended unless known that it is necessary / appropriate. Greases may be non-compatible. Bearings may be over or under-packed. I have not received good guidance on this one way or another.

Question: Do these assemblies come pre-lubed from the factory? i.e. do you think the origninal red grease that was pre-applied would have been sufficient without adding any additional? I assume yes, but would appreciate your input.

Overall I am very happy with the job, learned alot and my truck runs great again!