About three days ago (while on a pull I just returned from) I noticed some loud clicking that could be slightly felt on the floor boards. It seemed to be coming from the front left hub. Then it was gone.

500 miles and a day later it returned worse. With the window down it was apparent that it was coming from the front left though it could have been coming from the transfer case / front of the transmission.

The sounds do not click during shifting or any thing else that would lead me to believe that it would be the tranny. Also, the suspension is not cycling so I do not think that it could be the spring hanger as another post mentioned.

I did some searches and found one on the wheel bearing and hubs. Since then I tried locking the hub. This seemed to slightly muffle the noise but it was still apparent that there was a problem. I then jacked the front left off the ground and tried to feel for play but it is very snug, no play or rattling.

Any suggestions? I was hoping to pull the wheel off but I am in the middle of a down pour.

2000 auto cc lb drw 4x4

After a little more research I am thinking that it is the wheel bearing. Can anyone describe the sounds they experienced when the bearings started to go.

A couple of times it sounded like it was going to cease but didn't.

Thanks in advance.

 

the only way i can think of to rule out a wheel bearing, is to jack up one side of the truck, and push and pull on the TOP and BOTTOM of the tire while it is in the air. you should have NO movement. check both sides.

by the way, welcome to FTE! best place on the net for fords.

 

I just jacked up both sides and the drivers side had no play as found before. The passenger's side though had over an inche of play as I torqued it from the top and bottom of the tire with it in the air.

I am absolutely amazed that this problem was on the drivers side when sitting in the drivers seat it sounded as though it was the front left or upper middle.

Anyhow, should I drive it with the hub locked to rule anything else out, or should I just pick up the hub assembly and replace it?

Thanks Stokin_it7.3. Quick find.

Anything else I should know before I begin to tear this apart tomorrow?

 

follow the instructions on The Man's page, only to the disassembly of the hub, you dont need to all the way if you just want to take the hub off.

http://guzzle.rbmicro.com/nblube.html