Front end noise issues
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Junior User
Joined: May 2006
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Front end noise issues
Just wondering a few direction I can look at. The other day after taking a fairly long trip I noticed front end noise after getting back to town. It seems like it is mostly noticeable about 10-30 mph then goes away when going faster. Is sounds like driving over rumble strips only not that loud. I was reading about the needle bearings and everything, but got a good look today and noticed the front tires are worn funny. I could not feel any play side to side or up and down when I had it jacked up and pulled on the tire. With the wear on the inside of both fronts it looks like it has two good treads then two worn treads, two worn two good...and so on. I do have new wheels and tires waiting to go on after I buy my lift which should be in the next month or two. Air presure should be good, but I'm going out to check it right after this post. The tires on there are 1 year old Firestone Steeltex (sp). I have been lazy about rotating them. Thanks for any tips.
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Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Stephensville WI
Well, the uneven wear is caused by an alignment issue. It's probably also the noise you hear.
I'd start with checking the ball joints for excessive play.
To check to see if it is your hubs causing the noise, lock them and drive around for a bit (but don't put the truck in 4 wheel drive). If the noise is still there it probably isn't your hubs.
I'd start with checking the ball joints for excessive play.
To check to see if it is your hubs causing the noise, lock them and drive around for a bit (but don't put the truck in 4 wheel drive). If the noise is still there it probably isn't your hubs.
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I've looked under the truck and everything seems pretty tight. If I turn them by and I hear a little noice but not much. It almost looks to me like it's just a bad alignment, but I'm not sure why it just started sounding as bad as it did all of the sudden. Another thing. When I look under the truck at the u-joints between the axle and the hubs there are rubber rings that are are the hub side and the axle side just sort of in there loose. It it like that on both sides of the truck. Think these are or were part of the seals, but I don't see how they were in there before. Sorry for the bad description. I'll try to see if I can get some pictures. I've been trying to reach a buddy of mine before I tear into this so I can use his shop. I may just get the hubs and ball joints and replace them all. Might not be a bad idea. The truck has just under 100,000 on it, and I'm going to be throwing a small lift on it with bigger tires. I found where I can get the hubs for about $125 a peice shipped and all 4 ball joints for around $0.
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Joined: Apr 2006
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I just did my ball joints and they were worn out at 45k.
And the seals were in the same shape as yours.
Jack it up and stick a long bar to pry the outer C. Then you will see the play in the joints.
And the seals were in the same shape as yours.
Jack it up and stick a long bar to pry the outer C. Then you will see the play in the joints.
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Shocks were upgraded to Bilsteins. I did get it in the air the other day and with the wheel on I could feel play in the drivers side upper ball joint. I have 4 new ones on order with new seals. Hopefully this will do it. I also have my lift on its way and my 35 inch tires mounted waiting to go on. I can't wait. They look incredible.
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Junior User
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Got the ball joints in today. They were all bad. Truck seems much better. Whell beaarings seemed in good shape. Lift will be going on in about 2 weeks so I will avoid driving too much and get it alligned after that. Thanks for everyones help.