Front end problems
#1
Front end problems
I've been having problems with a grinding/popping noise coming from the front end during the last couple of months. I replaced both CV shafts and that seemed to keep the noise down for a bit but the noise is back stronger than ever. The noise is most noticable whem I'm accelerating but I can here it whem I'm driving and braking also. I finally had a chance to jump under the truck this morning and I may have found the problem.
The flanges that the CV shafts connect to have quite a bit of movement in them. They not only move up and down but in and out. I'm thinking I will be pulling the front end out sometime in the near future and have the problem fixed. Fixing the problem raises a few questions.
From the above description, what is a rough estimate to take care of the problem? Is a complete rebuild necessary? Would a junkyard be a valid option?
The flanges that the CV shafts connect to have quite a bit of movement in them. They not only move up and down but in and out. I'm thinking I will be pulling the front end out sometime in the near future and have the problem fixed. Fixing the problem raises a few questions.
From the above description, what is a rough estimate to take care of the problem? Is a complete rebuild necessary? Would a junkyard be a valid option?
#2
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: Windsor,Ontario,Canada
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Sounds like the bearings in the axles. You won't really know till you pull it apart. Look up your Axle at http://www.car-part.com
Select Year = 2003 Select Make/Model = Ford Truck F150 Select Part = Axle Assy FR(4WD w. Housing)
You will want this axle;
exc. 7700 GVW; w/vacuum disconnect; 3.55 ratio Unless you have the 3.31:1 gears.
Regards
Jean Marc Chartier
Select Year = 2003 Select Make/Model = Ford Truck F150 Select Part = Axle Assy FR(4WD w. Housing)
You will want this axle;
exc. 7700 GVW; w/vacuum disconnect; 3.55 ratio Unless you have the 3.31:1 gears.
Regards
Jean Marc Chartier
#3
#4
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On the passenger side you remove the 4 bolts holding the axle tube to the diff and the axle is held in by a C clip. On the driver side remove the diff cover and the axle is held in by a snap ring. The front axle assembly is heavy so get a jack and strap it to the jack then lower it.
Regards
Jean Marc Chartier
Regards
Jean Marc Chartier
#5
#6
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Originally Posted by dye7barrel
Doesn't sound like too bad of a job. I've been looking at replacement bearings for the axle and all the part stores list an inner and outer bearing. I figured the outer bearing goes in the end of the axle tube closest to the wheel. Not sure where the inner bearing goes. Any ideas?
JMC
#7
Thanks JMC, that's exactly what I was looking for. I had a feeling the long shaft needed the inner bearing for stabilization. The diagrams make it look somewhat imtimidating with all the little parts. I guess I'll find out this weekend. I'll be sure to take some pictures and hopefully post them. Are there any other seals/bearings I should replace when I have the axle apart?