I've got 2008 f150 2wd. 177000 miles. It's started popping when I turn sharp some. Like something is knocking on metal. I don't even think that explains it clear. I thought maybe ball joints or tie rod? I may be way off base. I'm no mechanic. Any help would be appreciated.

 

May be a front wheel bearing. You need to get it checked out, can be dangerous.

 

Could be loose lug nuts, sway bar end link bushings, or a lot of other things. I don't think it will be ball joints, although the truck probably needs new ones at that mileage. If the front end has never had replacements parts, you will most likely need tie rod ends, at least lower ball joints, sway bar end link bushings, and check the wheel bearings.

 

My 04 was doing the same thing. I thought for sure it was a ball joint and so did my mechanic until he looked at it. It ended up being that the sway bar end links were bad. Pretty easy fix, if it ends up being that. Good luck.

 

the guy that works on my stuff checked it out tonight. He says wheel bearings on passenger side are bad. I'm gonna go ahead and have him replace both sides. Hope it takes care of it.

 

I had a popping sound and discovered a wiggling driver side tie-rod end. Replaced both sides outers and inners. Firm smooth steering now and no popping.

Replace both wheel bearings if you can for safety assurance. If one is on its way out, the other may not be far off. No alignment needed. Buy Moog if you can! Cheaper ones aren't a good idea, and Motorcrafts are priced high.

 

Timken is the brand I look for in bearings. My 4x4 has bearing hubs that contain both bearings and I noticed that the new Motorcraft bearing hubs have Timken bearings.