spindle bearing replacement
 

hey guys
I have noticed a knocking noise when im in 4x4, notice it it starting at about 20kmh, i am replacing all the u joints right now and have replaced the spherical bearing in the cardan joint. ill see if this will fix the problem, the slip yoke is fine, i was thinking about putting in the grease fitting mod but from a prior experience with a slip yoke siezing and destroying the rear end pinion bearing and transfercase bear im going to just take it apart and grease it every few kms. the big problem is though in trying to find the source of this knock/clunk i have grabbed the axle u joint by the knuckle and the driver side had about a 1/16 of play and the passenger side has almost 3/32 of play which im assuming isnt good. ive learned they are a one piece hub but i have got new spindle bearings to be installed, i am wondering what kind of seal there is between the hub and the axle, first time doing this so any info or tips would be great. thanx guys

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My BIL in Maine has a 2000 F-350 and when in 4WD, his makes a noise as well. He has replaced all kinds of stuff and still has the noise, but only when in 4WD.

Update: I just finished speaking with him and he has replaced the spindle bearing s on both sides only to be left with the same noise. His next option is a complete hub replacement.

well thats not very good news haha, well im working on getting in the drive shaft tonight, the only other options i guess are the front gears and transfer case.

To replace that bearing you have to take out the locking hub and the hub/bearing assembly. You don't need to pull the axle (unless your also doing u-joints or if the stub axle is damaged) so you don't have any seals to mess with. Check out the "how to replace your ball-joints" thread, it shows you how to tear it down. The noise is only when in 4x4?

ok thats good news then, ill take the hub apart next week because i need the truck this weekend just incase something goes wrong taking things apart like they usually do for me. im hoping the stub axles will be ok, i got the new spindle bearings. i installed the rebuilt drive shaft and the noise is still there, its when you got load in 4x4, wont make it when coasting and cant really tell if the knocking is there during decceleration, only really notice it when on the throttle.