F-250 Front Wheel Rattle/Clicking
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
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.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 910
Likes: 8
From: West-Central New York
I would blame your inner bearing on the hub bearing assembly. It's unpleasant but that's exactly my own problem. Good news is you can drive the truck for a few thousand miles... before it gets scary.
Eventually it will get louder and noisier at all speeds.
Eventually it will get louder and noisier at all speeds.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
From: NW NJ
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.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
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.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 423
From: Long Island USA
Lock the hubs and see if it stops. If so, it's that inner spindle (needle) bearing.
Lock your hubs 
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
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.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
Not true. You can knock the needle cage out and grease the main one. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7593063
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
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.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
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; Jul 6, 2010 at 02:09 AM. Reason: Grease compatibility and quantity precautions