My front driverside started making a weird intermittent whining screaming noise on my way home in the rain. No pulling or change when braking. Got more steady and lasted longer the closer I got to home. Pulled over and locked in my warn hubs and it stopped. Not in 4x4. Is this fixable, or do I need a new hub?

Hi all. I have an '02 F250 7.3 4x4. I am usually in the 7.3 forum, but am having an issue with my manual hub this time.
I was driving in the rain yesterday and I noticed an intermittent noise from my front drivers side. This noise became more frequent as I drove, then began to last for longer, a few seconds at a time. I got off the highway and took backroads and it got even worse. I stopped and locked in my hubs, but did not engage 4x4, and it stopped.
I have heard that it could be a hub/ axle seal. I was instructed to check for play in the knuckle behind the wheel and found that I can move it about 1/4 to 1/2 inch up and down. I also noticed that there is a plastic ring floating around loose on the axle behind the wheel.
I am not much of a mechanic, but the local shops are all booked up for weeks or even months so I suspect I will have to fix it myself if I can. Any advice would be greatly appreciated
I have urgent need of the truck on Monday for about 60 miles round trip. Is it safe to drive it with the hubs locked but 4x4 not engaged?

Moderator Comment: I merged two threads on the request of Rjdj1186 in order to consolidate the information provided.

 

Can you move front axleshafts up and down inside the knuckle?

 

Yes I can.

 

You’ll need to replace the hub axle seals - also called vacuum seals.

This is what centers the axle in the knuckle. When worn, the shafts can sag enough to cause the stub shafts to bind in the hub and turn - even with hubs unlocked. Since the shaft is sagging, this turns it into a jumprope. This condition often destroys the axle bearing inside the hub bearing/unit bearing. With enough time, this wrecks the stub shaft where the needle bearing rides and requires the stub shaft to be replaced as well.

I’ve seen people zip tie (heavy duty ones!) the axleshaft into position to stop the shaking like you experienced until they could fix the problem.

At the time the axleshafts are out of truck, you are 95% of the way to replacing the ball joints (‘only’ another $130 in parts).

 

Is that something a non-mechanic can handle, or am I going to need to bring it to someone? I have no clue what any of these things you mention are or how to go about fixing them. I will google some videos if you think it worth the effort.

 

Ok. I watched a couple of videos, which have the front axle on sawhorses, and use various specialty tools for this and that. Is that what I need to do?
What would be a reasonable estimate to get that done at a shop?

 

Well, it’s not really technically difficult (like diagnosing electrical problems), but is a pretty big job. You need a hub axle seal tool to install the seal and then axle back in the knuckle (I can loan you mine) and a ball joint press you can ‘rent’ from autoparts store in their loan a tool program.

Axle stays under the truck... Just jackstands.

Here’s a GREAT write up with parts list and everything!!

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...de-thread.html

 

Is it safe to drive for a bit with the hubs locked? I need it Monday. Not confident in my ability to get it done with the other projects I also have to get done by then. Maybe 60 miles round trip.
I appreciate the loaner offer, but unless you are going to mail it, I think I am a bit too far away to drop by. Much as I would like to meet you...
I am waiting on a call back from the local, and untrustworthy from what I hear, diesel shop. Can't find anybody else close by who will do it in the next month. What would you say is a reasonable estimate? They have a reputation for screwing people over.

 

@rjdj1186 , in addition to what BWST and SSJ have for you, there are several of us that have the Ford Service Manual that would be of help to you. When you are ready, we can either upload the images to your build thread or attach it as a PDF.

I find the FSM good to have, but as a compliment to threads like BWST has and videos like you have been watching.

If you are looking to outsource the work, you do NOT need to find a diesel shop. Any Ford Super Duty 4x4 from this era has the same parts. In addition, any truck has similar parts and this is a fairly common procedure for a reputable shop.

 

Yeah, I guess I should start a thread on it.
Most of the local shops are saying they can't get to it for a month or more. All the chirus stuff I guess. I am waiting for calls from a couple of others who were out to lunch. Trying to stay close so I don't have to drive it very much like this as SSJ says it can damage other stuff. Timing couldn't be worse, as I have my health department inspection for my BBQ trailer rescheduled for Monday. If I cancel on this guy again he's liable to take it personal.
Is it ok to drive it with the hubs locked but not in 4x4? That would help alot for Monday.

 

do like jason suggested and rig up some heavy zip ties from the top if the yoke of the shaft to to the top of the "c" on the axle knuckle until the shaft (yokes) look about centered, now unlock your hubs. You should be just fine to ride around.

When the time comes we can walk you thru the seals replacement, its easier compared to old style axles with tapered roller bearings that had to be disassembled and packed etc. This is remove calipers, remove rotor, remove locking hub/snap rings, remove 4 bolts from back of hub, pull unit bearings. and pull axle shafts, r&r seals abd out it back together the way it came apart(use something to verify seal placements and washer stack etc is correct)

 

Yes, it is OK to drive with the hubs locked and not in 4x4.

 

Here is a really good write up and pictures. Goes all they way to ball joints. https://www.superdutypsd.com/ball_joint_article.php

 

Hi all. I have an '02 F250 7.3 4x4. I am usually in the 7.3 forum, but am having an issue with my manual hub this time.
I was driving in the rain yesterday and I noticed an intermittent noise from my front drivers side. This noise became more frequent as I drove, then began to last for longer, a few seconds at a time. I got off the highway and took backroads and it got even worse. I stopped and locked in my hubs, but did not engage 4x4, and it stopped.
I have heard that it could be a hub/ axle seal. I was instructed to check for play in the knuckle behind the wheel and found that I can move it about 1/4 to 1/2 inch up and down. I also noticed that there is a plastic ring floating around loose on the axle behind the wheel.
I am not much of a mechanic, but the local shops are all booked up for weeks or even months so I suspect I will have to fix it myself if I can. Any advice would be greatly appreciated
I have urgent need of the truck on Monday for about 60 miles round trip. Is it safe to drive it with the hubs locked but 4x4 not engaged?

 

Thanks guys, you rock!
I noticed that on my passenger side I have a rubber hose that goes to nothing, and no hose on the driver side, just a little barb in the bracket. Anybody know what that is?