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Front End Problem Diagnosis-

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Old May 2, 2007 | 11:06 AM
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Front End Problem Diagnosis-

I was driving my '78 F-150 4X4 yesterday around 40MPH when it started vibrating badly as if a wheel in front was about to fall off. I stoped, looked it over, and nothing seemed out of place visually. But the pass. side hub was HOT and the driver's side was not. I wasn't far from home so I crept back slowly. I haven't tore into it yet, but was wondering what you guys think I will find. I have never worked on anything beyond the brakes and rotor on a front axle before. With the help of a manual and this site, is this something I should tackle myself? Does this sould like a bearing, ball joint, or what?
One thing I should mention, there has been a small puddle of oil from the pass. side hub lately. (Problably has something to do with the problem)
 
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Old May 2, 2007 | 02:09 PM
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Wheel bearing gone bad is my guess.
 
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Old May 2, 2007 | 06:36 PM
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i'm thinking wheel bearing also.
 
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Old May 2, 2007 | 07:09 PM
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i go for a bad axle joint and a worn trake bar. the brake might be draging too. jack up axle and lock in hub and turn the wheel all the way then turn the wheel and see if it,s turns smooth, alan
 
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Old May 2, 2007 | 09:18 PM
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Sounds like a bad wheel bearing to me too. Good thing you did not drive it much. I made the msitake of trying to drive mine home (front wheel drive Nissan, NOT a Ford product of course) and the wheel ended up leaving the vehicle (can't drive when the right front wheel takes off on its own!) That was interestign to say the least. Luckily I was only doing about 20-25 at the time.
 
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