front suspension noise
 

Hello to all, I'm new to this forum and hope you all can help me. I have a 2001 F-350 4x4, V-10 auto. I have had a suspension noise that is getting worse. I have narrowed it down to the front end. It happens only when hitting bumps. I have checked out sway bar bushings, body mounts, spring shackles but can't seem to locate it. The truck has 60,000 miles on it. I read in some archives that it could be the sway bar bushings, but is there a way to test these before replacing them? Thanks for any help!

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It would help to know what kind of noise it is and also did you check the front end? To check the sway bar bushings and end links, start with a visual inspection, then have a helper bounce the front of the truck up and down and watch the parts to see if there is play.

What kind of noise is it?...Clunk? Grinding? Banging? At what speed does the noise occur? Have you tried putting your truck in 4WD to see if the problem still exists? If you put it in 4WD and it goes away, it may be the outer front axle needle bearings that are located in the outer hub and support the front axles...Federal Mogul Part No. B-2110...I think these are about $10-$15. If it is the main hub assembly needle bearings, these are not repairable and a new hub assembly will be required and is much more costly. I would probably also take the sway-bar off to see if the problem goes away...It comes off easily and would get you closer to isolating your noise. There has recently been some informative posts regarding this subject...I would do a search in this forum...Actually, check out the post very near this one. It's titled 'Front Hub TSB?' GOOD LUCK!

Bigfront

more info
 

I actually thought it was a shock. i replaced all 4 shocks, but still have it. it sounds like something to do with spring occillation. it is that type of noise, eee,eee,eee,eee. not sure how to spell that noise! anyway, thanks for the help!! farwhitenorth

eee,eee? Sounds like a squek to me. Try spraying your spring bushing with some lube.

Squeaks could be from dry suspension parts like ball joints. again, have a helper bounce the truck and try to find the location. Also try to just turn the steering, do you get the noise then or only when the truck bounces?

I have had the same problem,its what Bigfront said bearing was shot. Be sure to check the shaft from knuckle to hub! may be damaged so a new bearing will not fix the problem. I was told that my AUTO-LOCKING HUBS were engaging whin I hit a bump or pothole causing this.

It sounds like it is the spring isolators. They are the plastics pieces on the ends of the front springs. The noise is the metal to metal contact. Go to ford and get new ones they will have the numbers for the parts.

I've had 3 super duties now, and two of them have had a clunk in the front end when you hit bumps at slow speed. FINALLY on the truck I have now, after spending hours under it looking for it, I found it. (on mine anyway) It was the sway bar bushings. NOT the end links. dealership told me the end links were a common problem and to try that. The sway bar bushings were like $7 for both and take 15 min to change. I'd try that first. It also worked on my brother's truck as well. On mine, the old ones werent loose or look cracked or damaged , but there must have been just enough play in there to let that sway bar move. good luck

Hello, I am new at this so here goes. I have a F250 Super Duty 4X4 deisle, long bed it is a 2004. I have 44268 miles. I have had it into dealer for a clunk in front end (sounds) when you are driving and turn wheel 1/2 to full turn. Weither pulling into drive or side street or parking spot. Dealer hears it then it goes away and they can not find it. They tried re-tightning, lubing but after about 3 to 4 months it comes back and same thing happens at dealer. Has anyone had this problem and if so how did you fix it? Dealer said they contacted Ford Company and had nothing. Help. Thank you

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front end noise
 

want to thank all for your input! i pulled the front sway bar off and found some speed bumps. no noise! got the bushings changed and that was the cure! thanks again! farwhitenorth

What kind of bushings did you end up using?? Thanks...

Bigfront

bushings
 

well, I guess here in Alaska, they don't stock much in the way of aftermarket bushings. had to go to the dealer. once i figured out the problem i didn't want to wait the 2 weeks to get parts. parts guy wasn't sure they were rubber but they are not polyurethane. anyway, $20 ea. well worth it to get rid of the noise! farwhitenorth