I have 12 months and 8k miles on new hub assemblies they spin like silk.
I pulled off the hub and the noise is still there.
I had the brakes professionally done yesterday as the noise was driving me crazy..
The noise usually comes at 40-45 mph lasts for 1-4 seconds every 1/2 mile or so.
I had the tires balanced and rotated this morning.
When I put it in 4wd high it seems to go away. Drop down to 2wd and it comes back.

Any ideas??

Thanks

 

needle bearings for the axle. Hopefully the axle shaft is not too damaged. Check out this link for servicing info:

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

Austin

 

But you had new hub assemblies put on? New needle bearings, only 8,000 miles. So probably not the needle bearings, unless the axle was scored. Why did you have to replace the hub assembly? Who did the work? Are you sure its not the new brake pads? It could be something in the autolock hubs, you should start by cleaning and reassembling them. Oh wait, I just read this again. Are you talking new Auto Lock hub assemblies? If so, then I would agree with Austin. Look at Guzzle's site, very likely your Axle Hub needle bearing needs to be looked at. Don't be scared, I have mine apart right now to do the 60K mile maintenance. Its not too bad.

 

Not hub assemblies. There are serviceable needle bearings behind the hub assemblies that the axle shaft rides on. This is something that half the dealers seem to not know or don't want to tell people.

The Scheduled Maintenance Guide under the additional services for: Light Trucks, Sport Utilities, and Vans' every 60,000 miles: "Lubricate 4x4 front hub needle bearings (F Super Duty)"

If they need to be replaced it is Ford part # C6TZ-3123A

They never made it a TSB for the public, but here's the service message sent within Ford to the dealers:

Ratcheting noise from front axle;
99/03 F-series/Excursion 4X4
This will usually occur after hitting a bump while driving in 4X2 mode. This may be due to a worn or damaged axle shaft support needle bearing allowing the axle to wobble or vibrate in the within the hub. The entire hub assembly should be removed and the bearing and seals inspected for damage. If the truck is equipped with manual shift transfer case, ensure the vacuum fitting is capped to prevent contamination.
The axle needle bearing P/N is C6TZ-3123-A. SSM #13697/8.
If the axle shaft is damaged, the outboard end of the shaft is available separately (P/N 4C3Z-3B387-AA). SSM #17066


Hope this info. clears that up,

Austin

 

There I go posting before I read the entire thing.
Sorry, today was a real tough one.

Austin

 

Thanks, It is really weird as it only happens in 2wd.
I have a shop looking at it today, no time to wrench

 

I hear you. Sometimes it's easier to just write the check and move on.

Hope its a minor fix,

Austin

 

Let us know what it turns out to be. I want to be glad I'm doing the needle bearing maintenance.