Been browsing around here and that what the heck I'll just join the crew.

Here's my problem. My '01 F150 is making a horrible popping sound when I'm turning left or right in 4 wheel drive. Don't know much about this stuff so looking for any advice.

From just the internet research I've done it looks like it could be a number of things...CV joints may be most likely. I had the ball joints replaced about 6 mo ago. What's the best way to diagnose this problem? Looking to figure it out myself and possibly fix it myself since I have no income right now as a student.

Thanks!

 

Is it only when you turn them real hard or what?

 

i got the same year truck with 4wd and i dont have that problem but are u turning on pavement or like gravel cause, with pavement it probly will do that, but i dont know if its normal it doesnt sound normal but if it does it on like a loose surface like gravel or mud or dirt or sand or snow then its definatly not normal, it could be the front drive shaft u joints poping cause its going bad, get under the truck with it in 4wd and try to move the front drive shaft if theres alot of play like if it moves and wiggles alot the front driveshaft u joints are bad i hope this helps

 

No not really. Just turning either way. Not really sharp turn either.

I mean this is a loud popping noise. I think it's the cv axle/joint. Gonna inspect them when I get it back from the body shop this week.

 

its got to be a front drive shaft u joint thats what i would put my money on

 

and it cant be a cv axle shaft cause they spinn all the time even in 2wd so if it doesnt do it in 2wd thats not it the front drive shaft doesnt spinn in 2wd though but in 4wd of course it does so im guessing thats your problem is the front drive shaft u joints

 

check the axle shafts first. if the cv is beginning to fail they will only pop under load.

 

Thanks for the advice guys.

So how do I go about checking these things to see exactly what it is? Would a repair manual show me how to diagnose the problem?

 

i got a haynes manuel ill look it up for u and get back to u