Front End Clunk
Thread Starter
|
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 10,750
Likes: 1,065
From: Douglassville, PA
Front End Clunk
I have a clunk in the right side of my front end. It is intermittent. When I turn hard to the right it will clunk and I only need to go back to straight for it to clunk back. I did replace springs and shocks but they do not appear to be the cause of the problem. I have had two mechanics look at it and they can't see anything. I have looked and it does not look like the U-Bolts are loose. When loaded it will also clunk when hitting bumps.
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Mark
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Mark
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,613
Likes: 8
From: North Georgia
Are you 4x4 or 2wd?
Will it clunk if you turn the wheels to the clunk point while the truck is stopped?
Is it a one time clunk when you are rolling? Or if you held the turn long enough(like donuts in an empty parking lot) will it keep clunking as long as you keep rolling?
If you set the parking brake, chock the rear wheels, jack up the front end... grab ahold of the suspect wheel and try to wiggle it... will it wiggle? If there slop in the steering? Can you feel any slop in the wheel bearings?
Will it clunk if you turn the wheels to the clunk point while the truck is stopped?
Is it a one time clunk when you are rolling? Or if you held the turn long enough(like donuts in an empty parking lot) will it keep clunking as long as you keep rolling?
If you set the parking brake, chock the rear wheels, jack up the front end... grab ahold of the suspect wheel and try to wiggle it... will it wiggle? If there slop in the steering? Can you feel any slop in the wheel bearings?
Thread Starter
|
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 10,750
Likes: 1,065
From: Douglassville, PA
It is 4X4. Clunks once only when turn is made, once when returned to straight and when hitting bumps when loaded. Does not clunk when turning wheel while sitting still. Had truck up on lift and checked all usual suspects like ball joints, tie rod ends and bearing play.
Trying to Gain Knowledge
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,571
Likes: 2
From: Ezzell, TX
It is possible. There is a you tube video on the replacement of ball joints you can use for a guide. Also, springer pop has a great write-up on ball joint replacement that shows the removal of the front axle.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,613
Likes: 8
From: North Georgia
Pulling the hub isnt really difficult... but the inner vacuum seal is kind of not cheap.
The seal driver can be picked up in a kit at Harbor Freight pretty cheap... or sometimes you can get lucky at the parts houses that loan/rent tools.
Just go slow and steady. Do not try to rush it. Pay very close attention to how the washers/plastic grooved bushing are oriented on the stub axle. They must go back in the same way.
Going this far in... you might as well do the hub greasing procedure if you are not replacing the hubs.
Brake caliper slide pins too since the calipers have to come off anyway.
There are links to the hub assembly r&r procedures in the tech links.
The seal driver can be picked up in a kit at Harbor Freight pretty cheap... or sometimes you can get lucky at the parts houses that loan/rent tools.
Just go slow and steady. Do not try to rush it. Pay very close attention to how the washers/plastic grooved bushing are oriented on the stub axle. They must go back in the same way.
Going this far in... you might as well do the hub greasing procedure if you are not replacing the hubs.
Brake caliper slide pins too since the calipers have to come off anyway.
There are links to the hub assembly r&r procedures in the tech links.
Trending Topics
More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 582
Likes: 2
From: Eads, TN
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
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
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 727
Likes: 1
From: Chariton, IA
Mine clunks like you're describing. It is the drop links on mine too. There is a rubber bushing where the bolts go through that are wore out on mine.
My passenger side link is hitting on my spring when I hit a big bump or pit hole making the clunking sound.
My passenger side link is hitting on my spring when I hit a big bump or pit hole making the clunking sound.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,427
Likes: 1
From: Bryson City NC
My 350 dually does it on braking? I replaced all the front swaybar and down links with poly! The clunk went away for awhile and now its back!! Front end appears tite and no abnormal tire wear! So looks like I will just have to wait and see if it gets worse and then hopefully I can find the problem.
Smokie
Smokie
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post