f350 front axle problems
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f350 front axle problems
Hi all first time post here and I have a question about a 91 f350 diesel 4x4. The front axle is giving us a lot of trouble. Whenever I go around a long curve the front wheels vibrate to the point where they feel like they are going to fall off. We replaced the front bearings and all of the tie rods, but the problem is definitely still there. Any help on the problem would be greatly appreciated.
Some things I am suspecting are the front u-joints, spindle or maybe even the axle.
Some things I am suspecting are the front u-joints, spindle or maybe even the axle.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Bonita Springs FL
It's only going to be the u-joints if you're driving around with the hubs locked or the transfer case in 4wd. If you put it up on a lift, is there any looseness or play in anything in the front end? It could be something as simple as leaf spring bushings.
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We have put the front axle up off the ground and the right side had some movement, but this was eliminated when we did the last tie rod(outer right). We already have the u-joints but havn't gotten around to installing them. I don't really want to do all that work if I'm not sure that is the problem.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
Ok.. there is a way to test the U joints if you have manual hubs. Jack up a wheel with the 4x4 disengaged. Lock the hub and spin the wheel, it should turn relatively easy. Now turn the wheels a bit and spin the wheel again. If the U-joints are seized you'll get lots of resistance.
If the joints check out OK, rotate the front wheels to the back and have the alignment checked.
If the joints check out OK, rotate the front wheels to the back and have the alignment checked.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Central PA
Originally Posted by andym
It's only going to be the u-joints if you're driving around with the hubs locked or the transfer case in 4wd. If you put it up on a lift, is there any looseness or play in anything in the front end? It could be something as simple as leaf spring bushings.
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I am really starting to think that the u-joints are the problem. I will test them tonight after work. Is there anyway to know if the ball joints are bad? Is this a common problem? Thanks again for all the help everyone.
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FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
Originally Posted by kboehm73
Is there anyway to know if the ball joints are bad?
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
Originally Posted by lostin90s
I'll loan you my truck , my axles do turn at highway speeds even with new warn hubs.
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 39
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From: California Central Coast
Tires?
Hey just a thought,
I had a 88 F350 4x4 and sometimes out of the blue the whole front of the truck would start shaking, bouncing, and jerking violently to the point where I would get butterflies and pull over because I thought my wheels were falling off on the freeway and I would surely crash and burn.
Turned out a tire was out of round. New ones fixed it immed.
I had a 88 F350 4x4 and sometimes out of the blue the whole front of the truck would start shaking, bouncing, and jerking violently to the point where I would get butterflies and pull over because I thought my wheels were falling off on the freeway and I would surely crash and burn.
Turned out a tire was out of round. New ones fixed it immed.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Central PA
Originally Posted by andym
Then you have your transfer case in 4wd, because the whole point of having selectable hubs is so that you can unlock them and have the front axles NOT turn.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,713
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From: In my House
There probably turning from the natural forward motion of the truck. Try this, jack the front end of the truck up and spin the one of the wheels, and see if the axle is also turning, if so, that Hub is definetly locked.
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,492
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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
Originally Posted by crazandy
ball joints good?