Left/Right Play?
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Left/Right Play?
So, I know basically nothing about whats normal playin a suspension.
I have a 1998 Expedition, 5.4 4x4....
I get this metal on metal sort of banging on the passenger side, front end when I hit certain types of potholes, cracks, sunken manhole covers, etc. Any place where theres a noticable gap in the road surface. It only happens on the passenger side.
I jacked the truck up and tried the left/right test for tie rods. I'm wondering how much play there should be. Right now I can turn the tire about a half inch. The whole tie rod and center link move when I do this so its not like loose type play. Is that normal?
Also, any ideas on the banging noise? I can't see anything obviously bad, broke, lose or wrong.
Thanks
-- Jess
I have a 1998 Expedition, 5.4 4x4....
I get this metal on metal sort of banging on the passenger side, front end when I hit certain types of potholes, cracks, sunken manhole covers, etc. Any place where theres a noticable gap in the road surface. It only happens on the passenger side.
I jacked the truck up and tried the left/right test for tie rods. I'm wondering how much play there should be. Right now I can turn the tire about a half inch. The whole tie rod and center link move when I do this so its not like loose type play. Is that normal?
Also, any ideas on the banging noise? I can't see anything obviously bad, broke, lose or wrong.
Thanks
-- Jess
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Could be a lot of things. Check the sway bar drop link bushes. Just grab the drop link and shake it hard, look for any play top and bottom. Visually inspect the shocks at the top and bottom bushes. Look for worn/cracked bushes.
Jack up the front again, get a helper to to put a pry bar under each front wheel in turn and try to lift the wheel up and down while you look for any play in the upper and lower ball joints.
Grab the front brake calipers and make sure there is no movement.
Grab the tire top and bottom and rock it and see if there is any wheel bearing play.
Jack up the front again, get a helper to to put a pry bar under each front wheel in turn and try to lift the wheel up and down while you look for any play in the upper and lower ball joints.
Grab the front brake calipers and make sure there is no movement.
Grab the tire top and bottom and rock it and see if there is any wheel bearing play.
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So, upon further investigation we found that the heat shield below the muffler was pretty much toast. It had a few big cracks along the edges, thus allowing it to bang around yet look like it was attached. Pulled that off.
Also found that the u-bolt holding the pipe from the muffler to the exhaust near the cat is MIA.. or atleast part of it is MIA. The whole muffler can slide back and forth (but not come off completely because of the hanger on the other hand, thankfully).
Not sure if thats the whole problem or not but will get that all fixed up and see whats what. I was looking at getting a Magnaflow muffler but all I can find are cat back systems for my truck. I don't want the cat back, just the muffler itself.
If anyone else has b ought just the muffler for a 1998 Expy, lemme know where you found it.
Thanks!
-- Jess
Also found that the u-bolt holding the pipe from the muffler to the exhaust near the cat is MIA.. or atleast part of it is MIA. The whole muffler can slide back and forth (but not come off completely because of the hanger on the other hand, thankfully).
Not sure if thats the whole problem or not but will get that all fixed up and see whats what. I was looking at getting a Magnaflow muffler but all I can find are cat back systems for my truck. I don't want the cat back, just the muffler itself.
If anyone else has b ought just the muffler for a 1998 Expy, lemme know where you found it.
Thanks!
-- Jess
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Well, I've figured out the muffler I want.. now I'm just trying to find a 3" tailpipe that'll fit my truck. Seems the only one (Dynamax) is for the non-air suspension Expedition. I'm not sure if it'll fit mine (memory matching up with picture can always be funny). I've asked in a few forums and am hoping someon comes along and can give me an answer. Preferably someone who has dealt with the same problem.
