Front End Hum
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2013
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Front End Hum
Good Morning All,
This weekend I am planning to do some major repairs to my X, she is a 2004, Limited, 4X4, 6.0 PSD with about 130K. I am planning to replace my wheel bearings, axel seals, and upper and lower ball joints. Some of these are just maintenance items that I will be replacing since I am already there and others are in hopes of eliminating the hum I am experiencing at highway speeds.
I am looking to purchase the Moog ball joints along with the wheel bearings (which I believe is my noise maker). I am going to replace the axel shaft seals because the right side was leaking when I purchased the X in August 2013. I might even change the front brake pads since they will be removed at the same time, all depends how worn they are.
Does anybody have any recommendations on what else should be replaced?
Thanks,
Jeff
This weekend I am planning to do some major repairs to my X, she is a 2004, Limited, 4X4, 6.0 PSD with about 130K. I am planning to replace my wheel bearings, axel seals, and upper and lower ball joints. Some of these are just maintenance items that I will be replacing since I am already there and others are in hopes of eliminating the hum I am experiencing at highway speeds.
I am looking to purchase the Moog ball joints along with the wheel bearings (which I believe is my noise maker). I am going to replace the axel shaft seals because the right side was leaking when I purchased the X in August 2013. I might even change the front brake pads since they will be removed at the same time, all depends how worn they are.
Does anybody have any recommendations on what else should be replaced?
Thanks,
Jeff
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 30,595
Likes: 1,236
From: N. IL
Jeff, since you're down there, go ahead and replace the tie rods and tighten your steering box if steering is getting loose. I don't recommend the dual stabilizers, steers just fine with one.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 268
Likes: 2
What I am more interested in is some pictures of what the wheel bearings look like and how to remove and replace them. I have looked on YouTube and found a few videos talking about replacing them but none show where they are located and anything special about replacing them. This isn't the first time I have replaced wheel bearings but it is the first time with this type of hub setup. In the past it has always been 2WD vehicles, those were straight forward. I have watched several videos on how to remove the hub assembly, axel/knuckle assembly, and ball joints, all of that is pretty straight forward. Just haven't found one which shows the actual location of the bearings.
Thanks,
Jeff
Thanks,
Jeff
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 30,595
Likes: 1,236
From: N. IL
Jeff, assuming you've wandered thru Guzzle's how to pages: Welcome to guzzle's 4x4 Needle Bearing Maintenance Web Page
Shows quite a few pics. That one shows the actual location of the unit bearing and needle bearings.
Shows quite a few pics. That one shows the actual location of the unit bearing and needle bearings.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2013
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I just looked at the guzzle site, I didn't realize the bearings were part of the hub assembly and can't be changed independently from the entire hub. I guess I will just be changing upper and lower ball joints and axel seals this weekend and only lubricating my wheel bearings and needle bearings until I can get new hub assemblies. It isn't making a bunch of noise but it is starting. Guess I might have a few more miles out of it before I will need to make a complete change. Guess I will know for sure after I tear it down tomorrow.
Jeff
Jeff
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2013
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Ok, sounds like a good idea. What specific part am I looking for to replace the needle bearings? I have looked at a few locate store websites but none list needle bearings, would they be called something else?
Jeff
Jeff
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From: Savannah, GA
I think its a dealer only item. part number:C6TZ-3123-A
Heres a link to some pics: 2004 F250 Needle Bearing Replacement
Heres a link to some pics: 2004 F250 Needle Bearing Replacement
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Georgia
The "hum" you are hearing at highway speeds may be a locking hub that hasn't released. Mine did exactly that. Simple to check. Make sure the front spindle doesn't turn while turning the front wheels with them off of the ground. Had to replace the hub as no one could get it to release.
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2013
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Well I was planning to replace much of my front end this past weekend but as I was leaving to get parts I heard a loud hum as I began to accelerate. It was faster than the wheels were turning so I knew it wasn't coming from my front end. I hope this was not a sign I am loosing either my transmission or transfer case. I changed the fluid and filter in the transmission about 2 thousand miles back because I had to replace the transmission temp sensor. I changed the filter too. There were no signs of damage in the pan or on the magnet, just the normal fine sludge buildup which I have seen on many other transmissions. I replaced my transfer case fluid about 5000 miles ago. I used Royal Purple Mercon/Dextron III full synthetic, 2 quarts.
I will look at the front hubs this week to make sure they aren't locked. I hope it is something easy because I really don't want to replace either of the two major components in the driveline.
Thanks,
Jeff
I will look at the front hubs this week to make sure they aren't locked. I hope it is something easy because I really don't want to replace either of the two major components in the driveline.
Thanks,
Jeff
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,180
Likes: 83
From: Georgia
I had to get someone to drive my X towards me, over a slight rise in the driveway. That's when I noticed my left front knuckle turning. Like I said it was a frozen hub. I tried to turn it while jacked up initially, but could not tell anything. At first then I thought I had a vacuum problem, then realized I didn't have in 4wd. Then I saw it. I hope yours is not a big problem.
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