Is It Safe To Drive???
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,056
Likes: 8
From: Union, Washington
If it was a steering componet you would have very sloppy steering and probaly feel it in the steering wheel. I'd check the springs, as a broken leaf will be noisy on hitting holes or bumps. A missing bushing in the anti-sway bars would do it too.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,739
Likes: 3
From: GANS
my front disc brake pads make that noise.. I'd look underneath for loose stuff, like brackets, suspension, and if you can't find anything, keep it under 80, and you'll be good..
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New User
Joined: May 2004
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On the 78 Ford trucks the caliper is held on with a spring loaded piece of metal and a small bracket with a bolt holding it in place. If spring loaded metal gets worn it will sound like front end is falling apart. Gone through this twice. I believe the 85's are similar to the 78's.
Hope this helps ya.
Hope this helps ya.
New User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
if the rattling noise is coming from the front passenger side, then it might be you idler arm. i've replaced mine twice. the steering becomes very sloppy and you feel like you need an alignment. usually the bearings go out on the idler arm, which causes it to sound lke something major is rattling around when driving over the slightest bump or dip.
to answer your question, "is it safe to drive," i would say sorta. if it is in fact the idler arm, i'd get it fixed before it causes stress on other things like the pitman arm. you'll be shelling out $$ if it gets that bad.
to answer your question, "is it safe to drive," i would say sorta. if it is in fact the idler arm, i'd get it fixed before it causes stress on other things like the pitman arm. you'll be shelling out $$ if it gets that bad.
Senior User
Joined: May 2004
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I am confused I have never seen a 80-86 Fseries truck with a idler arm. I thought there was a drag link that came right off the pitman arm that goes to the tie rods.
I know the 97 f150s and newer, use a idler arm.
I know the 97 f150s and newer, use a idler arm.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,739
Likes: 3
From: GANS
you are right- the draglink comes from the pitman arm and attached to the passenger side knuckle, then the outer tierod attaches to the high part of the draglink, and then attaches to the driver's side knuckle..
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
on my 1979 f-150 those trailing arm or whatever they are. The rubber piece (bushing i think) was worn out and fell off and i had like 4 inches of play my front axle would move that much i replace both sides and drives like new no more annoying noise goin over bumps, dunno if this helps
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jlouki01
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Feb 3, 2005 06:56 AM