Wierd front axle noise

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Nov 15, 2004 | 07:27 AM

Cuda_jim

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From: MICHIGAN

Wierd front axle noise

Re: 1996 F350 Crew cab 4x4 PSD. 164K miles

I've noticed a strange noise coming from the front drivers side axle when appling the brakes in a slow turn (like parking the truck). The brake seem to hold on a bit after the pedal is released then the noise happens but disappears after the wheel is straightened. I'm thinking it's stuck caliper sliders. Nope, Read on.

Poking around the hub area, I noticed a bunch of axle movement side to side in the truck. A tear down discovered that the 1st snap ring you come to during disassembly was missing. Yep, that's my problem!

Now for the wierd part. There is no snap ring groove machined into the stub shaft. Guess that explains why there's no snap ring.

This truck came from the factory without a snap ring & groove! Are there stub axles out there that don't need the snap ring????? All of the front axles I've worked on has 'em.

The dealer says all I can get is the entire axle shaft assembly @ over $400. Holy, crap!

Anyone know where I can get just the stub axle?

Sorry for the long post, but I thought that this info might help others diagnose a possible brake problem that ain't a brake problem at all.

Nov 15, 2004 | 08:16 AM

Kwikkordead

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From: Rio Rico, AZ.

Just a stub axle? Suggest a junk yard.

Nov 15, 2004 | 10:18 AM

Cuda_jim

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Kwik, Did that. No luck. Seems that the F350 fits ONLY the F350. Lots of 250 axle parts.
Thanks,
JIM

Nov 15, 2004 | 09:56 PM

Kwikkordead

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From: Rio Rico, AZ.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cuda_jim

Kwik, Did that. No luck. Seems that the F350 fits ONLY the F350. Lots of 250 axle parts.
Thanks,
JIM

Bummer.

Nov 15, 2004 | 10:23 PM

realhp

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From: Albuquerque NM

There is a place here in Albuquerque that can get you what you need, the name is Drive Train Industries. If you would like I can call them and see how much they can get you one for. They have been able to get me stuff that everybody said dealer item only.

Nov 15, 2004 | 11:55 PM

Racerguy

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From: BC, Canada

The mono-beam F-350 front axles don't have outer snap rings. The axle is kept from going in too far by the cross shaft in the diff.
The noise you're describing sounds like a seized axle u-joint.

Nov 16, 2004 | 05:22 AM

Cuda_jim

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From: MICHIGAN

Quote:

Originally Posted by realhp

realhp, thanks, I'll give em a try. I've posted a request acouple times at a parts finder for scap yards with no luck.

Do you have the PH#?

Thanks again for all the help.

Nov 16, 2004 | 10:01 AM

realhp

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From: Albuquerque NM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cuda_jim

realhp, thanks, I'll give em a try. I've posted a request acouple times at a parts finder for scap yards with no luck.

Do you have the PH#?

Thanks again for all the help.

Here is there number 505-341-2332 when you call ask for Loyd and tell him that Robert from The Works Auto sent you to him.

Nov 16, 2004 | 11:15 AM

#10

Cuda_jim

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From: MICHIGAN

Quote:

Originally Posted by realhp

Here is there number 505-341-2332 when you call ask for Loyd and tell him that Robert from The Works Auto sent you to him.

realhp,
In the true fashion of a Great Web Site you, the members, always come through.

Thanks for the ph#. I will call Loyd

Thanks again,
JIM

Nov 16, 2004 | 04:59 PM

#11

Level2

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From: Higginsville, MO

I had a 97 F350 that made a similar noise....turned out to be bad ball joints. You probably already checked that but I thought I would toss in my 2 cents.

Nov 16, 2004 | 11:14 PM

#12

realhp

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From: Albuquerque NM

Cuda_jim, did you get a hold of Loyd?

Nov 17, 2004 | 05:03 AM

#13

Cuda_jim

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From: MICHIGAN

Quote:

Originally Posted by Level2

I had a 97 F350 that made a similar noise....turned out to be bad ball joints. You probably already checked that but I thought I would toss in my 2 cents.

Ball joints were replace 5K ago.
Thanks, JIM