Notices
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: DP Tuner

Front End grinding/knocking?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 4, 2008 | 02:05 PM
  #1  
Tazzmann's Avatar
Tazzmann
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
Front End grinding/knocking?

I'm having problems with a front end grinding, knocking noise. Its started doing sence having to use 4wd during the winter months. Ive checked the hubs to make sure theyre disengaged. I also checked my shocks, and front end componets for anything obvious.

The grinding seems to be from the front driver side wheel. Its on and off doing it, usually a bump or so will bring it on. The front brakes were recently done with new rotors so it dosent look to be brake related?

Thanks as allways for the help!!
 
Reply
Old Mar 4, 2008 | 02:24 PM
  #2  
superduty4x4's Avatar
superduty4x4
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 12,177
Likes: 40
From: Newport, WA
Have you checked the wheel bearings? Could also be leaf spring bushings possibly.
 
Reply
Old Mar 4, 2008 | 02:35 PM
  #3  
miller_feed's Avatar
miller_feed
Hook it, I'll pull it.
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 15,037
Likes: 4
From: Grand Lake, La.
Club FTE Silver Member

Also check your swaybar link ends. You can't move them but look close at the rubber bushings. See if there is split rubber in them. You can also take them off and tie up the swaybar, then drive around and see if it still does this. I changed mine a while back because it would clunk when I hit a bump.
 
Reply
Old Mar 4, 2008 | 03:12 PM
  #4  
superduty4x4's Avatar
superduty4x4
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 12,177
Likes: 40
From: Newport, WA
I thought of the swaybar too, but didn't think it would be able to be heard from inside unless the bushings were really, really hosed. Mine are worn I know but I can't hear anything while driving the truck.
 
Reply
Old Mar 4, 2008 | 03:15 PM
  #5  
smoky_diesel's Avatar
smoky_diesel
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,470
Likes: 535
From: Chandler, AZ
Originally Posted by Tazzmann
...The grinding seems to be from the front driver side wheel. Its on and off doing it, usually a bump or so will bring it on.
just did a front wheel bearing/hub assembly that had the same symptoms. hope it's something cheaper.
 
Reply
Old Mar 4, 2008 | 03:33 PM
  #6  
miller_feed's Avatar
miller_feed
Hook it, I'll pull it.
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 15,037
Likes: 4
From: Grand Lake, La.
Club FTE Silver Member

Originally Posted by superduty4x4
I thought of the swaybar too, but didn't think it would be able to be heard from inside unless the bushings were really, really hosed. Mine are worn I know but I can't hear anything while driving the truck.
Mine sounded like something hitting on the floor board when passing over bump.
 
Reply
Old Mar 4, 2008 | 04:21 PM
  #7  
Mike Norwood's Avatar
Mike Norwood
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 629
Likes: 0
From: South-Central Kentucky
Club FTE Silver Member

Ball joints maybe?
 
Reply
Old Mar 4, 2008 | 05:07 PM
  #8  
tbirdage's Avatar
tbirdage
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 173
Likes: 1
From: Huntington, WV
I just recently solved this exact problem. It sounded like I was riding on rumble strips and I'd engage 4X4 and it would go away. Hit a bump and it started back. There is a needle bearing inside your "NON-serviceable" hub assembly that your stub axle rides in. Pull your hub assemblies off, knock the needle bearing out and go get one for each side from NAPA (Part number B2110) for $12. Do both sides and grease them every 60-80K. You should probably change the large yellow o-rings on your hub assemblies. Ford has them for $5.00 each
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-4

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
Old Mar 4, 2008 | 05:56 PM
  #9  
Tazzmann's Avatar
Tazzmann
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
Wow guys thanks for the fast responses!!!

Ill tear into those bearings this weekend then, because the sound is very annoying... thanks for including the part number on those as well, having to search for this stuff can be painful.

Definitly not the ball joints, had those all redone about 4k miles ago.

Thanks again!!
 
Reply
Old Mar 4, 2008 | 06:07 PM
  #10  
engineer58's Avatar
engineer58
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: SouthEastern Pennsylvania
Originally Posted by tbirdage
I just recently solved this exact problem. It sounded like I was riding on rumble strips and I'd engage 4X4 and it would go away. Hit a bump and it started back. There is a needle bearing inside your "NON-serviceable" hub assembly that your stub axle rides in. Pull your hub assemblies off, knock the needle bearing out and go get one for each side from NAPA (Part number B2110) for $12. Do both sides and grease them every 60-80K. You should probably change the large yellow o-rings on your hub assemblies. Ford has them for $5.00 each
I had this same exact problem, don't let it go too long or it will wipe out the bearing surface on the stub axle, and you have to buy the hole axle inner and outer not cheap! My surfaces were worn badly and I had a friend build up the area with a TIG welder and then I machined them back to size. Not a fun or cheap job once it gets to this point. Good luck with whatever you find!


99.5' F-250SD 7.3, 6637 filter,50hp hypertech program, 4"MBRP Turbo
Back exhaust
 
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2008 | 09:37 PM
  #11  
Tazzmann's Avatar
Tazzmann
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
ok I got the new needle bearings in, and the problem still is happening. I'm at a lost again. The knocking/rattling noise i can hear happens when ideling occasionally. The noise also happens when turning or changing lanes to the left, but goes away when going right.

Any more suggestions will be great!!
 
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2008 | 10:27 PM
  #12  
tbirdage's Avatar
tbirdage
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 173
Likes: 1
From: Huntington, WV
Did you check for play in the wheel bearings? Jack the truck up, wheels still on. I use a prybar and stick it thru a hole in the wheel and pry against the center of the hub. Gently pry on and off feeling for play. Sounds like one of them are going out. Sorry the needle bearings didn't fix it. Did you do both sides? When I did mine it sounded like the left side was the bad one, but actually ended up being the right
 
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2008 | 02:31 AM
  #13  
12 pointer's Avatar
12 pointer
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 269
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Tazzmann
ok I got the new needle bearings in, and the problem still is happening. I'm at a lost again. The knocking/rattling noise i can hear happens when ideling occasionally. The noise also happens when turning or changing lanes to the left, but goes away when going right.

Any more suggestions will be great!!
If it changes as you give and take pressure on the wheels by turning, it's the wheel bearing.
 
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2008 | 10:17 AM
  #14  
Tazzmann's Avatar
Tazzmann
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
I'm thinking it isent the wheel bearings because the sound, and what i can feel is occasional and happens when im at a stop light, or when the truck is ideling. Also on my way into work today i noticed it also happens when i accelerate, when i let of the gas is go away? I imagine a wheel bearing would be all the time??

For the wheel bearing i did check them for play and to see if they were loose and they are still very tight, no noticble play at all.

So I'm not sure to say the least.
 
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2008 | 10:57 AM
  #15  
RobertJohn's Avatar
RobertJohn
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 699
Likes: 0
From: George West, Texas....
Be sure to post what you find...that way we'll know and may be able to help someone with a similar problem..
Good luck..
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:20 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE