I have a 1999 ford f250 lariat 4x4 with 236,000 miles. Recently I have noticed when I am applying the brakes it sounds relatively normal until about 30 mph then it sounds almost like I have a flat tire or I'm running over a rumble strip, It's almost like a popping sound but a deeper sound.. I'm not sure how to describe it. The truck also vibrates violently when I reach speeds above 65-70 mph. Until about a week ago I could go 100 mph with no vibration whatsoever. If anyone has any ideas on what my problem is I would greatly appreciate some help. Thanks!

 

Does it also happen when you just take your foot off the gas and coast to slow down? If so, my first guess would be a carrier bearing that is rapidly going south. I just went thru this and while it was apart I had the driveline shop also replace all of the u-joints with grease-able u-joints. Out the door was right at $300.

FWIW - Frank

 

It kind've does but not near as bad. But I don't think it's the brakes because even if I just tap the brakes and it starts making the noise if I let off the brake it continues to make the noise until I come to a complete stop. I had read online that a carrier bearing could be causing the problem but I've read that it could range from anything like warped rotors, wheel bearings, u joints, carrier bearing, tires, and even problems with the driveshaft itself. I don't have any idea which it could be. Is there any way to check the carrier bearing? Any way that's relatively simple that is.

 

Front drive shaft on mine lost a ujoint and did similar. Are your front hubs locked?
Ujoints should be tight with no movement when on the truck. if they move at all its bad.






Removing the drive shaft is fairly easy and then you can see if something is binding


jack up the truck and check each tire for roundness and smoothness when turning
A stuck caliper or piston in rear can do similar

 

Jack it up press on brake and release. If your wheels are hard to turn, you may have a bad caliper. Some have reported similar wheel drag because of bad brake lines. At least that is one thing you can check off your list and only costs you time.

 

Check out my thread from earlier this year. Found a bad universal. Some pics.

See if it sounds familiar?

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...oint-shot.html

 

Well guys I finally figured out what the problem was. My double Cardan joint on the front of my driveshaft going into the transfer case is going bad. Im gonna call around tomorrow and see the price for a rebuild but right now my best option is looking like a brand new driveshaft with new u joints already installed. As far as time goes that would be the much faster option. I guess it's a real pain in the *** to rebuild those since it's essentially a double u joint that you need some fancy tool to take apart.