94 ford aerostar
 

what would cause the front wheel on drivers side to lock up if it isnt the brakes. have been hearing a loud popping noise for a while on drivers side especially when turning left. today got really loud just driving and then a real loud grinding noise. then a loud pop and front wheel locked up and skidded across highway til i came to a stop. any idea what it could be or how can i at least get wheel to turn to get it on trailer

How long is "a while"?

Is this a 4wd van? If so, it's probably the CV joint.

Otherwise, it was probably the wheel bearing failing.

In either case, after making a lot of warning noises that were ignored, it failed catastrophically.

Should not ignore those noises, they only get worse.

Use a winch. Since you put off getting it fixed, I wouldn't be surprised if the spindle is toast. (Assuming this is a 2WD)

i just had the half shaft changed on the drivers side the same side it locked up. yes it is a four wheel drive. a wheel bearing can cause the tire to lock up? I was told there is no wheel bearing but i dont know anything about cars as the reason i am looking for advice. does it sound like it can be fixed easy and not outrageously expensive or is it pretty well shot

Really no way to find out until it gets looked at by your tech.

Well that sounds suspect. A part that was recently replaced seemed to have failed.

At least one member of this forum has complained of how poorly made the aftermarket half shafts were, requiring multiple replacements.

All wheels have bearings; those for the 4wd are in the self-contained hub, while in the 2wd versions the brake rotor is part of the hub. I have seen bearings that got so badly blown out that they must have been making a racket that could not possibly be ignored, and their pieces welded themselves to the spindle. So yes, a blown wheel bearing can lock up the wheel. But I'm guessing your problem is caused by the CV joint failing. The tell-tale pounding noise on turns is an indication.

moron "mechanic" probably pounded out the old half shaft from the hub bearing with a sledge hammer instead of using a bearing/shaft puller, damages the bearing from impact force.

suggest a shop that specializes in front wheel drive half shaft replacement, the front end shops are good for this.

i suggest the Cardone New only Aero half shafts from rockauto.com. rebuilts aren't worth buying.
I've gotten more miles from the Cardones that the original Ford OEMs