wheel bearing or ball joint?
Thread Starter
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
wheel bearing or ball joint?
I'm getting a sound on the front right wheel of my 2000 expedition, 4wd model.
If I turn the steering wheel to the right, i'm getting a "whump-whump-whump" sound. If I am going straight, or turning to the left, there is no noise.
Anyone had a similar problem before? I'm guessing its a wheel bearing or ball joint, but I am thinking the wheel bearing would be more of a constant hum than the nosie I am hearing, so thought I would throw this question out to you all. Thanks!!!!!
If I turn the steering wheel to the right, i'm getting a "whump-whump-whump" sound. If I am going straight, or turning to the left, there is no noise.
Anyone had a similar problem before? I'm guessing its a wheel bearing or ball joint, but I am thinking the wheel bearing would be more of a constant hum than the nosie I am hearing, so thought I would throw this question out to you all. Thanks!!!!!
Thread Starter
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
Any other possible causes? I've changed my share of wheel bearings, and they usually make a constant noise or hum, where this only makes the noise when I turn the wheel to the right. It's not a constant sound, more like a thump, thump, thump, only if I have the steering turned to that side. Going straight there is no noise, or when turning left.
Thanks for the input.
Thanks for the input.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,472
Likes: 2
From: Southern Cal
I'm getting a sound on the front right wheel of my 2000 expedition, 4wd model.
If I turn the steering wheel to the right, i'm getting a "whump-whump-whump" sound. If I am going straight, or turning to the left, there is no noise.
Anyone had a similar problem before? I'm guessing its a wheel bearing or ball joint, but I am thinking the wheel bearing would be more of a constant hum than the nosie I am hearing, so thought I would throw this question out to you all. Thanks!!!!!
If I turn the steering wheel to the right, i'm getting a "whump-whump-whump" sound. If I am going straight, or turning to the left, there is no noise.
Anyone had a similar problem before? I'm guessing its a wheel bearing or ball joint, but I am thinking the wheel bearing would be more of a constant hum than the nosie I am hearing, so thought I would throw this question out to you all. Thanks!!!!!
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: PA
clunk, clunk, clunk
Since this "noise" thread already has attention, I'll start here...
'04 Expedition XLT 4wd 4.6L, 121k miles.
bilateral front-end clunk, clunk, clunk in straight line, on bumps and washboard type road surface, subdued or virtually absent on turns. No clunking on smooth road.
Replaced sway bar links (better), replaced outer tie rod ends (even better), now coming back louder and louder.
Has two-year old Monroe Quick Struts replacements.
Sounds like the mechanicals I've replaced (recently) are stabilizing some other issue, for a short time.
Is it time to just take it to the dealer?
Would like your thoughts Forum, thank you!
'04 Expedition XLT 4wd 4.6L, 121k miles.
bilateral front-end clunk, clunk, clunk in straight line, on bumps and washboard type road surface, subdued or virtually absent on turns. No clunking on smooth road.
Replaced sway bar links (better), replaced outer tie rod ends (even better), now coming back louder and louder.
Has two-year old Monroe Quick Struts replacements.
Sounds like the mechanicals I've replaced (recently) are stabilizing some other issue, for a short time.
Is it time to just take it to the dealer?
Would like your thoughts Forum, thank you!
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 24,319
Likes: 5,128
From: 0,0,1
You were close...replace the other 2 swaybar bushings, the ones where the swaybar is bolted to the frame.
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Thread Starter
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
Thanks. I see what you are saying alloro, and I would have to probably lean toward the wheel hub at this point. it's only barely noticeable at this point, my wife that drives it didn't even notice. I however can hear it when turning to right.
I will investigate further and look at replacing the wheel hub.
I will investigate further and look at replacing the wheel hub.
thank you alloro
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 24,319
Likes: 5,128
From: 0,0,1
Very, just remove 2 bolts per side. The bushing are split so they come off and go on the bar easy. I suggest taking a picture of each bracket before disassembly, because sometimes it seems like the bracket has ideas of it's own when you try to reinstall it. 
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: PA
Sounds good...
Thanks again for your prompt support. Will advise outcome.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: PA
went OEM, not root cause
Thanks again Forum...
2004 Expedition XLT 4WD 4.6L 121k miles...
Replaced sway bar bushings with OEM rubber (sorry Energy, it was just easier to get the OEM replacements than crawl under the beast to mic the sway bar diameter; and I read that if Energy is not a perfect fit, you have to open up the ID to get it to fit - sanding, filing, etc...)
Parts were $21 each rubber bushing. Job was easy.
The steering feels better for sure, the front just feels tighter and more stable.
However, not root cause of clunk clunk clunk. It is still there, just not as loud or as often.
Now I'm thinking lower ball joints (never been replaced).
But I never had abnormal tire wear on my last Michelins...61k miles, even wear...
Anyone want to venture the next guess? Thanks.
2004 Expedition XLT 4WD 4.6L 121k miles...
Replaced sway bar bushings with OEM rubber (sorry Energy, it was just easier to get the OEM replacements than crawl under the beast to mic the sway bar diameter; and I read that if Energy is not a perfect fit, you have to open up the ID to get it to fit - sanding, filing, etc...)
Parts were $21 each rubber bushing. Job was easy.
The steering feels better for sure, the front just feels tighter and more stable.
However, not root cause of clunk clunk clunk. It is still there, just not as loud or as often.
Now I'm thinking lower ball joints (never been replaced).
But I never had abnormal tire wear on my last Michelins...61k miles, even wear...
Anyone want to venture the next guess? Thanks.