Front End Questions
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Fairhaven, MA
Front End Questions
ive got this clicking / Knocking noise coming from my front end and cant seem to pinpoint where it is coming from.
I recently changed the upper and lower ball joints on each side. There is also new wheel bearing hub assemblies on each side with warn premium locking hubs. The sway bar links have been changed recently too.
When i changed to ball joints, i did not get new axle dust shields, and was wondering if that could cause the axle and U-joint to be bouncing around and causing the annoying noise that i hear? was there any other seals/o-rings that i should have changed with the ball joint job? or could it be the sway bar bushings mounted onto the axle housing?
I'm stumped and dont want to throw money away on stuff i dont need...seems ive been doing that alot with this truck lately.
Thanks a bunch,
Tom
I recently changed the upper and lower ball joints on each side. There is also new wheel bearing hub assemblies on each side with warn premium locking hubs. The sway bar links have been changed recently too.
When i changed to ball joints, i did not get new axle dust shields, and was wondering if that could cause the axle and U-joint to be bouncing around and causing the annoying noise that i hear? was there any other seals/o-rings that i should have changed with the ball joint job? or could it be the sway bar bushings mounted onto the axle housing?
I'm stumped and dont want to throw money away on stuff i dont need...seems ive been doing that alot with this truck lately.
Thanks a bunch,
Tom
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,274
Likes: 1
From: Milroy, PA
You could pull your shocks off, take a short trip, and see what you find. The other suspect many forget, are leaf spring bushings. I couldnt believe how much a difference that made in noise, especially offroad.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 25
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From: Fairhaven, MA
i dont think ( and hope ) that it is the leaf spring bushings, because brand new leaf springs were installed when i lifted the truck a few months ago. i tink im going to tear into one side and replace the axle dust seals and the knuckle seals, see if that helps the problem. i was under the truck last nite and the axle and ujoint do have alot of play in them. what would cause that, would it be the knuckle seal or is there bushings inside the diff. or something? anyone else got any ideas or info that might help before i take the beast apart??
thanks again
thanks again
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 12,177
Likes: 40
From: Newport, WA
The axle shaft will have some play in it normally, but I don't think those seals failing would cause your problem. I'd def. check the swaybar bushings. Do the new springs you installed have rubber pads on the tips? It could be the leafs hitting eachother causing the noise.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,345
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From: NorCal
The axle will slide in and out by design. A worn front axle u-joint on the front axle will cause a clicking noise, usually when turning. In most cases, either the hubs would need to be in the lock position or transfer case in 4 for the axles to even turn. Have you compared the two sides?
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,760
Likes: 27
From: Hampton, Maryland.
I second that. Mine aren't making any noise, but just put the lift on my truck Sunday, and man, those things are almost shot on mine. I have to get a set and change those out before I hear the noises they are going to make.
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Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Fairhaven, MA
well the noise started a few months after lifting the truck. its more of a metal on metal sound than the sway bar knocking sound. i also replaced the u joints when i did the ball joints becuase one was all rusted and cracked...
i think i am going to replace the sway bar bushings on the axle housing anyway just because they probably should have been done along with the end links(and probably need it too).
i looked at it again and it is definitely the axle and u joint moving around and hitting the knuckle. just dont know what would cause that much movement. i know it is supposed to have some play in it, but that much???
the wheel spins freely when in 2wd and the axle spins when locked in on both sides.
i think i am going to replace the sway bar bushings on the axle housing anyway just because they probably should have been done along with the end links(and probably need it too).
i looked at it again and it is definitely the axle and u joint moving around and hitting the knuckle. just dont know what would cause that much movement. i know it is supposed to have some play in it, but that much???
the wheel spins freely when in 2wd and the axle spins when locked in on both sides.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,274
Likes: 1
From: Milroy, PA
Id be curious to see what the inner axle bearing, and axle shaft look like, were they meet on the inside of the unit bearing. (The one that your wheel mounts to) At no time should there be enough play to allow the ujoint to hit the knuckle. If you see marks that look to be resulted from this, I would really take apart the "looser" side and see what you find.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 25
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From: Fairhaven, MA
the needle bearings on the inside of the hub assembly are brand new, both sides. i just replaced both unit bearings and they came with it. its like the axle is flexing at the u-jointand flexing up and down. doesnt appear to be moving from the u-joint into the unit bearing and hub. maybe im just going crazy...
the whole front end is brand new except for those axle seals and knuckle seals, i dont know what else it could be...
the whole front end is brand new except for those axle seals and knuckle seals, i dont know what else it could be...