F-250 Front Wheel Rattle/Clicking
#1
F-250 Front Wheel Rattle/Clicking
2004 F-250 FX4 SB 5.4 V8 140k
Issue: rattling/clicking noise from passenger front wheel area at speeds lower than 15MPH, made worse under light braking and/or turns to the right.
Clicking sound is speed dependant.
Spindle? Hub? Balljoint? Sway joint? Rotor Issue?
Any help is appreciated.
Issue: rattling/clicking noise from passenger front wheel area at speeds lower than 15MPH, made worse under light braking and/or turns to the right.
Clicking sound is speed dependant.
Spindle? Hub? Balljoint? Sway joint? Rotor Issue?
Any help is appreciated.
#5
A rotational sound that is speed dependant pretty much rules out balljoints and sway bar.
Anyway, you have to jack up that corner of the truck and spin the tire/wheel. Do you hear the noise? Grab the tire around its circumference and muscle it around checking for looseness. If you feel looseness, it probably is the hub/bearing. Easily replaceable, but expensive.
If you hear the noise while rotating the tire with the locking hubs free, try locking the hubs. If the noise disappears, it probably is the needle bearing that fits into the hub/bearing. It is easily replaceable and cheap (if it isn't to the point where the axle end is damaged).
You can look for damage to the rotor, and remove the caliper and check things out.
Good luck.
Anyway, you have to jack up that corner of the truck and spin the tire/wheel. Do you hear the noise? Grab the tire around its circumference and muscle it around checking for looseness. If you feel looseness, it probably is the hub/bearing. Easily replaceable, but expensive.
If you hear the noise while rotating the tire with the locking hubs free, try locking the hubs. If the noise disappears, it probably is the needle bearing that fits into the hub/bearing. It is easily replaceable and cheap (if it isn't to the point where the axle end is damaged).
You can look for damage to the rotor, and remove the caliper and check things out.
Good luck.
#6
I want to mention one more thing...... The sound is not present when cold/first thing in the morning. It takes a good 10 minutes of general driving to begin hearing it.
Does warm up of the components factor into any of your ideas?
Thanks everyone. This is a great forum. I will keep you posted as I get into it.
Does warm up of the components factor into any of your ideas?
Thanks everyone. This is a great forum. I will keep you posted as I get into it.
#7
Lock the hubs and see if it stops. If so, it's that inner spindle (needle) bearing.
Lock your hubs
Lock your hubs
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#8
Looks like the Hub is the Issue
Confirmed that the axle/universal turns when rotating the wheel when unlocked / 2WD. From what I read and am told, this is classic of a bad hub/bearing.
I am picking up two new hubs from Napa today (along with new Ford studs and nuts). I will install them this weekend and report back.
I am picking up two new hubs from Napa today (along with new Ford studs and nuts). I will install them this weekend and report back.
#10
#11
Join Date: Mar 2009
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Not true. You can knock the needle cage out and grease the main one. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7593063
#13
Join Date: Mar 2009
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Confirmed that the axle/universal turns when rotating the wheel when unlocked / 2WD. From what I read and am told, this is classic of a bad hub/bearing.
I am picking up two new hubs from Napa today (along with new Ford studs and nuts). I will install them this weekend and report back.
I am picking up two new hubs from Napa today (along with new Ford studs and nuts). I will install them this weekend and report back.
#15
Hubs Are Installed!
Hi Guys-
I replaced both front hub assemblies today. Clicking/popping from the front end is eliminated!
The job was straight-forward given the help here on the forum. Thanks everyone.
I replaced the hubs with two Napa BR930438 Hub/Bearing units. Both had what appeared to have red grease applied to the needle bearing. I assembled one as-is. On the left side, I added additional bearing grease to the needle bearing by working it in with my fingers. -Edit: This procedure may not be needed nor correct depending on actual bearing assembly and grease status. Not recommended unless known that it is necessary / appropriate. Greases may be non-compatible. Bearings may be over or under-packed. I have not received good guidance on this one way or another.
Question: Do these assemblies come pre-lubed from the factory? i.e. do you think the origninal red grease that was pre-applied would have been sufficient without adding any additional? I assume yes, but would appreciate your input.
Overall I am very happy with the job, learned alot and my truck runs great again!
I replaced both front hub assemblies today. Clicking/popping from the front end is eliminated!
The job was straight-forward given the help here on the forum. Thanks everyone.
I replaced the hubs with two Napa BR930438 Hub/Bearing units. Both had what appeared to have red grease applied to the needle bearing. I assembled one as-is. On the left side, I added additional bearing grease to the needle bearing by working it in with my fingers. -Edit: This procedure may not be needed nor correct depending on actual bearing assembly and grease status. Not recommended unless known that it is necessary / appropriate. Greases may be non-compatible. Bearings may be over or under-packed. I have not received good guidance on this one way or another.
Question: Do these assemblies come pre-lubed from the factory? i.e. do you think the origninal red grease that was pre-applied would have been sufficient without adding any additional? I assume yes, but would appreciate your input.
Overall I am very happy with the job, learned alot and my truck runs great again!
Last edited by PW_SD; 07-06-2010 at 02:09 AM. Reason: Grease compatibility and quantity precautions