Front End Rumble
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Front End Rumble
Summing it up. I get a front end rumble that is initiated by a bump in the road and another bump silences it. It is not constant, but is there 25% of the time. If the hubs are locked then I do not get the rumble. If I engage the 4 high on the fly with the hubs unlocked it goes away.
Both 4 wheel locking hubs are brand new. One of the wheel hubs is new. Both wheel hubs are fine, zero movement in any direction, all ball joints are under a year old and greaseable.
I am really at a loss, any ideas?
I have a hunting trip on Saturday and am pulling a 12K lb trailer and was hoping to have this resolved by then.
Both 4 wheel locking hubs are brand new. One of the wheel hubs is new. Both wheel hubs are fine, zero movement in any direction, all ball joints are under a year old and greaseable.
I am really at a loss, any ideas?
I have a hunting trip on Saturday and am pulling a 12K lb trailer and was hoping to have this resolved by then.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 624
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From: Kalamazoo, MI
unlock the hubs, jack the front end up, and spin the wheels while laying your hand on the spring... one side is going to transmist a vibration
sounds like a wheel bearing to me, MAYBE a ESOF hub, but it's had to tell over the internet....
sounds like a wheel bearing to me, MAYBE a ESOF hub, but it's had to tell over the internet....
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Both ESOF hubs are brand new. The Passenger wheel bearing is brand new. The Driver's wheel bearing has been closely inspected and appear fine, understanding there is a chance that it is starting to go.
It just doesn't make any sense why it goes away when in 4 wheel high or with the hubs locked.
It just doesn't make any sense why it goes away when in 4 wheel high or with the hubs locked.
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 465
Likes: 53
From: Connecticut
I've got this same problem in my '00 Excursion.
In cruising various forums, the general consensus is the problem is with the bearings that surround the axle shaft within the hub (sorry, don't know the correct term.) Since the axle does not turn when the hubs are unlocked, any play in there (loose/missing bearings) causes (harmonic?) vibration of the stationary shaft within them; it's both precipitated and stopped by bumps in the road. Locking the hubs thus locks the axle stubs to the same rotation as those bearings, thus no noise and/or vibration.
I can get under the truck and physically move one of my outer axle shafts vertically within the hub, almost as if there are some of the roller bearings missing. the other side seems fine. I suspect I've got some bearings missing and/or a badly worn outer shaft.
I've got new hubs coming in this week, I should be able to get to the replacement some time next week. I'll know by then if that's the real solution to the problem... - GA
In cruising various forums, the general consensus is the problem is with the bearings that surround the axle shaft within the hub (sorry, don't know the correct term.) Since the axle does not turn when the hubs are unlocked, any play in there (loose/missing bearings) causes (harmonic?) vibration of the stationary shaft within them; it's both precipitated and stopped by bumps in the road. Locking the hubs thus locks the axle stubs to the same rotation as those bearings, thus no noise and/or vibration.
I can get under the truck and physically move one of my outer axle shafts vertically within the hub, almost as if there are some of the roller bearings missing. the other side seems fine. I suspect I've got some bearings missing and/or a badly worn outer shaft.
I've got new hubs coming in this week, I should be able to get to the replacement some time next week. I'll know by then if that's the real solution to the problem... - GA
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Tuned
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 465
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From: Connecticut
Update.
Removed the hubs and ball joints today to replace them with PowerStrokeShop parts. Left side seemed OK; the needle bearings were there, a bit dry, but seemed to be turning. Shaft is fine. Right side, however, is in bad shape: one of the rollers was missing out of the needle bearing, the bearing itself was dry and not turning, and the axle shaft is worn 30-thou on the diameter.
Moral: don't put off replacing these bearings; once they go, they're gonna take the shaft with 'em. and, if you've replaced them but didn't check the shaft for play, you're probably gonna wreck those beearing again pretty quickly.
Anyone know a good place to get an outer shaft stub axle? Quickly?
GA
Removed the hubs and ball joints today to replace them with PowerStrokeShop parts. Left side seemed OK; the needle bearings were there, a bit dry, but seemed to be turning. Shaft is fine. Right side, however, is in bad shape: one of the rollers was missing out of the needle bearing, the bearing itself was dry and not turning, and the axle shaft is worn 30-thou on the diameter.
Moral: don't put off replacing these bearings; once they go, they're gonna take the shaft with 'em. and, if you've replaced them but didn't check the shaft for play, you're probably gonna wreck those beearing again pretty quickly.
Anyone know a good place to get an outer shaft stub axle? Quickly?
GA
Last edited by GregA; Dec 30, 2007 at 06:56 PM.
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 61
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From: Michigan
The needle bearings are replaceable. I think i only paid 12$ a piece. I found a suitable socket to tap them out from the back and a rubber mallet to tap the new ones back in. Make sure you tap them in all the way and use a good syn grease to heavily grease them. Did mine 80,000 miles ago and no noise.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2006
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the needle bearings are replaceable and i did this on my truck... the sealed bearings were fine for me the needle bearings were a problem.
they are torrington B2110 needle bearings they were like 8 bux each for me
http://www.angelfire.com/fang/mercury/ball.pdf
shows tear down
kenny
they are torrington B2110 needle bearings they were like 8 bux each for me
http://www.angelfire.com/fang/mercury/ball.pdf
shows tear down
kenny
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2006
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I have the same rumble problem. Mine is definitely the ESOF/manual hub combo that came stock on the truck.
Going to change to manual lockers. Anyone know where to find the best deal? Stealership wanted like $700.00.
Going to change to manual lockers. Anyone know where to find the best deal? Stealership wanted like $700.00.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 67
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2001 F250. Stealership checked the wheel hubs and no play and bearings are fine. The right ESOF hub is all boogered up and getting stuck between engaged and dis-engaged and staying there apparently.
Any advice on where to get those Warns and how much?
Thanks.
Any advice on where to get those Warns and how much?
Thanks.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 396
Likes: 2
You can get them online.. type in buy warn preminum hub... i forget where i got mine but i think the part number is 36882 or something like that
check local speed shops too
prove its the locking hubs remove them and go for a drive
It is possible that it is your needle bearing and that is easy to fix too
kenny
check local speed shops too
prove its the locking hubs remove them and go for a drive
It is possible that it is your needle bearing and that is easy to fix too
kenny