Clunking in front end
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New User
Joined: Mar 2003
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Clunking in front end
Hello all,
i own a 1994 ford ranger 3.0 4WD. I have a constant clunking/grinding noise coming from right passenger side(99%sure). It would start at about 3mph, and continue till i slow till about 3mph, and louder when i make left or right turns, then it stops when i slow down. I was looking at it when it was moving, and the **** for the outside locking hubs looks as to be slipping, not making complete turns with the wheel. When i have it engaged into 4WD, i don't usually hear it until i make a turn, then it sounds as if i lost my tire!! I came to two conclusions, but wanted some more advice first. I think it might be the gears in the locking hubs are worn or have broken teeth, or my u-joint on the right side is worn, and rubbing on itself. if its u-joints, what should i look for?? I just had the front disc brakes replaced along with new pads, and the problem still persists. One last thing, anyone suggest doing a "back yard mechanic" job to repair it, or play it safe and have a pro do it??
i own a 1994 ford ranger 3.0 4WD. I have a constant clunking/grinding noise coming from right passenger side(99%sure). It would start at about 3mph, and continue till i slow till about 3mph, and louder when i make left or right turns, then it stops when i slow down. I was looking at it when it was moving, and the **** for the outside locking hubs looks as to be slipping, not making complete turns with the wheel. When i have it engaged into 4WD, i don't usually hear it until i make a turn, then it sounds as if i lost my tire!! I came to two conclusions, but wanted some more advice first. I think it might be the gears in the locking hubs are worn or have broken teeth, or my u-joint on the right side is worn, and rubbing on itself. if its u-joints, what should i look for?? I just had the front disc brakes replaced along with new pads, and the problem still persists. One last thing, anyone suggest doing a "back yard mechanic" job to repair it, or play it safe and have a pro do it??
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
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From: Memphis, TN
Clunking in front end
It's easy and doesn't require expensive tools. Get a Haynes manual and take care of it yourself - you'll know what was done and be able to diagnose & fix it if it happens to the other side.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2003
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Clunking in front end
you might also want to check and see if your hubs are disengaging. i had this problem on my truck and i found out that when i rebuilt them i put something in backwards causing the hub not to disengage. also check your wheel bearings, see if they are lose, this would also contribute to your problem.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,333
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Clunking in front end
Start by checking hubs first.
Since it sounds like, according to your post, that the problem started after your brakes were serviced, that the hubs were not installed correctly.
Eliminate the obvious before throwing parts at it, unless money is no object.
Since it sounds like, according to your post, that the problem started after your brakes were serviced, that the hubs were not installed correctly.
Eliminate the obvious before throwing parts at it, unless money is no object.
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Clunking in front end
ill take a look at the hubs the best i can do, i really don't have any service manuals, so im relying on help, and the internet. When removing the hub cover and the **** to ingage/disengage, what things an i likely to find, ie. gears, springs, lock washers, snap rings, and will any need to be removed when i am just inspecting the hub itself?
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2003
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Clunking in front end
At the very least, get a Haynes manual or just take it to the shop to have it done.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,333
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Clunking in front end
Go check out the online manuals.
There is a link to them in the big bronco forum.
Maybe you can link to one for your application from there.
There is a link to them in the big bronco forum.
Maybe you can link to one for your application from there.
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Clunking in front end
i did some research on my truck and found more than i was hoping, I found that the noise is the right univeral joint on the front axle, but i also found that in my manual locking hubs, that the right side, the one washer was broke in two pieces, and on the left side, the hub was bone dry, and the snap ring on the very out side, was busted a little bit, enough to be worried about it. Thanks to all that put in a reply, i did buy a haynes and it looks to be what i wanted, now im going to make an attempt to pull the front right axle and joint assembly over the weekend, and fix my hubs.
thanks all,
brandon
thanks all,
brandon
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Clunking in front end
i am having the ball joints serviced, both upper and lower, I broke down and took my truck to a shop, i found it was more of a chore to do it myself, and i wanted to save a headache, i guess money was no factor!! they found i needed to replace the universal joints on both sides, and also the ball joints were shot, so im having them replaced also, Ill keep in touch with all to let you know if the u- joints were the problem, hopefully can help others out there if anyone is experiencing the same(or close to it).
Thanks,
brandon
Thanks,
brandon
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Clunking in front end
I got my truck back today, and the noise is gone, so if anyone is having the same problem, or something relevant to this, take a look at your u-joints, im sure youll be surprised at what you will find. Thanks again for all the help and support.
brandon
brandon
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Joined: Jan 2003
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Clunking in front end
bedd88, it's not hard to replace the front joints yourself, really only tool you'll need most don't already have is a hub socket. they cost between $10-15 or you can rent them. not knowing if you have a ranger or a fullsize truck i can't say on what needs to be done since i've never messed with a ranger frontend. but i can change a front u-joint and have it back on the road in about and hour or so. i'm sure it'll be like my first time it took a bit longer since i had to read manual at same time, now i can do almost with my eyes closed. just as a rough figure $15 or hub socket, $15 for manual (if ya don't have either or one) $30 for u-joint ( well joint i use since covered for life) i'd est. guess between $25-$50 (if you have tool and manual) $60-$100 (if you have alteast a manual or tool) that's giving so spare $$ in case you need wheel bearings or such once inside the frontend.
New User
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Victoria, BC,Canada
Clunking in front end
Thanks TXquadhunter, its an 88 F 250. I was just nervous about doing it myself cause it's a work truck and if it's off the road for too long i start losing $$$ big time. Sounds easy enough though, I think I'll give it a try with the ole' Haynes guide
Thanks again!
Thanks again!