Help diagnose rear end

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

May 23, 2025 | 09:32 PM

Turdburgler

Thread Starter

8th Gear

Joined: Jan 2021

Posts: 8

Likes: 0

Help diagnose rear end

Good evening, I just arrived at my destination after a 3 hour drive towing my RV with my 2021 F250. Prior to this trip I had noticed a high frequency vibration at highway speeds with a slight whine. I noticed upon arrival today that the passenger rear wheel was caked in brake dust. I gave the wheel a shake and it clunks back and forth ever so slightly. The drivers side is also doing it. I’m concerned whether it’s safe to drive. Brings it’s a holiday weekend, finding an open shop may be hard to do. Attached is a movie with the clunk sound. Help is appreciated.

Attached Images

Attached Files

IMG_2664.mov (15.41 MB, 48 views)

May 24, 2025 | 05:40 PM

Sport45

Cargo Master

Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 2,058

Likes: 424

From: Too close to Houston

Is that with full weight on rear axle? Or up on a jack?

You could also pop the hubcap and mags sure the axle bolts are secure. I believe they’re okay since you don’t have gear oil all over the wheel.

May 24, 2025 | 06:07 PM

Turdburgler

Thread Starter

8th Gear

Joined: Jan 2021

Posts: 8

Likes: 0

That’s full weight no jack.

May 24, 2025 | 07:17 PM

kayakingpoodle

Laughing Gas

Joined: Jan 2024

Posts: 846

Likes: 460

From: Up in Texas

With a handle like Turdburgler I wouldn't think you'd need help looking at rear ends

May 24, 2025 | 08:21 PM

Sport45

Cargo Master

Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 2,058

Likes: 424

From: Too close to Houston

Are the lug nuts tight? 165 ft•lbs, if memory serves.

May 25, 2025 | 10:01 AM

Mike Bartlett

Tuned

Joined: May 2010

Posts: 495

Likes: 130

From: Pleasanton, CA

The bottom of the rotor doesn’t look right. Are your brakes dragging? Maybe put it in N then let it roll forward while standing near the wheel you may hear a dragging noise?

Good luck,

Mike

May 26, 2025 | 09:39 AM

Fordbronco69

Infidel

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 1,115

Likes: 2

From: Elkhorn WI

I had this exact same thing happen to me 3 weeks ago after pulling my 31' bumper pull, back left wheel bearing let go just enough not to ruin the seal but the brakes wore hard on the one side. I drove for a week hearing a clunk and just grabbed the hitch and shook the *** end of the truck back and forth to find the left side was "popping" and loose. $250 for seals, bearings, races, oil slingers and two new axle hub nuts(and socket for the special ford nuts) for both sides later and it's tighter than a drum, but upgraded to the power stop Z36 drilled and slotted rotors and pads for $900 while I had it apart.

I would say you NEED jack that side up and pull and push to see how much it moves. Then jack the other side up so both tires are off the ground and spin it by hand, should spin freely without much noise. If the hub is tight and not clunking then your wheel bearings are good, but if it doesnt spin freely then you might have a bad caliper or bad brake line that is holding the caliper down and not letting it release.