Does this sound like a unit bearing problem?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 400
Likes: 0
From: Knoxville, TN
Does this sound like a unit bearing problem?
I replaced my U-joints and and carrier bearing thinking the rattling/bumping noise at about 67 mph was caused by the carrier bearing slapping. The rubber was completely torn all the way around the bearing. I got it all put back together, got on I-75 and to my dismay, the sound is still there. Without the roar of the bad bearing, I now think it is in the front end. The wife thought she could hear it up front also. This sound happens at that speed regardless of whether I'm in OD or not. That, to me, would rule out the engine & transmission being the culprit. I can also hear what I believe to be the left front wheel bearings roaring now. Keep in mind that I can hear "new" sounds now with the driveshaft quieter.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,265
Likes: 2
From: Garden City, KS
Does the drone change pitch? Mine had a low-pitched hum and it got higher with speed. I have 315's with 3.73's so my speeds will be different than yours, but it started coming on at about 45 and it went away at about 70.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 400
Likes: 0
From: Knoxville, TN
It's not really a drone. It sounds like a HARSH bumping. I can feel it in the floorboard, too. It slaps/rattles/bumps several times, stops, and the does it again. Lasts about a second, stops for 1 or 2, and repeats that until I drop below 65ish. The suspect wheel bearing sound was at lower speeds while turning to the right, putting more weight/load on the left front. I need to replace the tie rod ends also, but I don't necessarily think they are my problem since I don't feel any "shake". It's like I ran over a midget with a hammer.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,265
Likes: 2
From: Garden City, KS
Two things come to mind... bad track bar bushings, or shot cab bushings. My cab bushings are so bad that there is a gap between the lower bushing piece and the underside of the cab mount. It knocks and bangs around and puts so much vibration through the floor. If you had a bearing that bad, it'd feel just like bad ball joints.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,265
Likes: 2
From: Garden City, KS
I've got the hubs, but I lack the capital. But the more the machinist and I looked at it, the more and more doable it seemed. I've still yet to hear back from him on the final yes or no (he's checking what bearings and seals he can get). But if this works out, I might have something.
Ball joints are definitely something to check... let us know what you find!
Ball joints are definitely something to check... let us know what you find!
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 400
Likes: 0
From: Knoxville, TN
I'll definitely let everybody know what I come up with. If you get those bearings and seals figured out, let me know what they are! I'm a machinist and have wondered about them myself. I'm guessing there wasn't a number ON the bearings and seals?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 915
Likes: 1
From: oriental NC.
It's like I ran over a midget with a hammer.[/quote]
id say ball joints to, i need to do lt side agian for the second time.that is what it sounds like you are describing to me hammer hitting the floor at random times .
id say ball joints to, i need to do lt side agian for the second time.that is what it sounds like you are describing to me hammer hitting the floor at random times .
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 520
Likes: 0
From: Frederica
I'd say ball joints as well. But I have seen weird things happen before. I had an issue like this before and it turned out I had a bad sway bar end link bushing, didnt notice it until a wheel weight came off. Would only do it at certain speeds.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,265
Likes: 2
From: Garden City, KS
Crazy, though... my truck makes the same sound but I've got brand new BJ's and a brand new track bar. Hubs are tight, end links are new, leaf springs are shimmed... It sounds just like a gremlin banging on the floor with a hammer. I'm pretty sure it's bushings because not only is there that gap I mentioned but there's also a 3/4" difference between the contours of the cab and that of the bed. Plus, I get vibrations that come and go... once I get the funds, I'll give it new bushings.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 400
Likes: 0
From: Knoxville, TN
I just got home from work and on the way home I ran the truck up to about 80 mph. The midget started hammering at about 67 and stopped at about 73. Put the truck in neutral and let it coast down, and when it got beck down to about 73 again it started and stopped at about 67. Don't know if that helps anybody. I've got my baby this morning so it'll be tomorrow before I can check anything out.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 400
Likes: 0
From: Knoxville, TN
I found my problem today. Jacked the driver's side up today and used a 2X4 to lift the tire and check for slack. It was there. I was also able to shake it a little side to side. Pulled the wheel off and looked a little more. Long story short, I'm getting ready to buy a new unit bearing.
Ball joints were good.
Ball joints were good.