I have noticed a weird little clicking noise coming from the front drivers side tire area. It only happens while driving obviously, and it does increase and decrease w/speed. Where should I be looking to find the culprit? 2wd/3.0

 

rock or nail in tire tread, some can be buried and hard to see
or a rock trapped in hub cap rattling around... usually they fall out of an Aero with the large holes after awhile

if you drive in the hills on logging roads, look for a limb or branch lodged on inside of tire rim

 

I just stared having the same issue; however it's probably related to something I've done because I've taken the wheel off a couple times recently to change the brakes and shocks. I'm hoping it's somehow the hub cap. I'm going to take the hub cap completely off and drive it around the block soon to see if that changes anything.

 

It's probably the hubcap. I have one that does that

 

no I think you both have bad main bearings in the engine, requires engine out of van and complete strip down of motor, not too much of a job if you have a full equiped ford workshope. Oh well look on the bright side it could be worse like a stone or nail in the tire.

 

The last time my right front wheel started clicking, it was a wheel bearing. Replaced and tightened that up, click went away.

 

First check something simple: make sure the hub caps are on tight. The wheel does flex as rolls, so if the gipper on the cap isn't on tight, it can make noise everytime that part of the wheel is flexed.

Next would be to check for worn or broken parts that move, like the wheel bearing or a ding on the rotor. Those will require replacement.

 

Just do something as complicated as moving the hubcap to to back tire on the opposite side first. It's a very painless procedure.

 

I doubt if it is a main bearing. These are very strong and well oiled. If it is a 4.0 2wd main engine bearings can be changed in less than 2 hours. Pan falls easily and bearings are right there. I have been here. Kinda fun.

i would sure look at the hubcap thing. do the cheap stuff first.

ken

 

I took my hubcap off tonight and a big lead balancing weight fell off. I set it aside along with the hub cap and test drove it. No more clicking. Now I get to take it back to the tire place and have them fix it the weight.