I've got a '96 F150 Eddie Bauer short wheelbase and get a popping noise when turning the wheels. Not on every attempt just some times. Very recently had the Radius Arm bushings changed out.

Mileage is 68000

Thanks in advance

 

Does it do it when applying the brakes?

 

No, not a brake issue. Tires are wearing OK. So I thought that would rule out the ball joints.

 

Could be tie rod ends, in my case it was ball joints. How did you check the wear, buy looking to see if the wear is even? If so you may want to run your hand around the outside edge of the tread in the opposite direction the tire rolls when driving, if you feel a sharp edge that way and a soft edge the other way thats a good indication of ball joints. The sharp edge shows up pretty quick, it can take a while for you to be able to see the tread not wearing the same. Hope you get it, post what you find.

 

Another common "popping" issue was a bad rivet from the factory on the driver's side. I have this printed out somewhere but can't remember were I found the entire detail ( maybe another Ford web site ? ). You basically can get a weld in the spot or grind out the rivet and replace with grade 8 bolt to eliminate.

 

.I'm assuming that you mean that it's on the frame... Any suggestion where to look? I've got a new noise on my 95 SC 4X4 that only occurs on the left side, when that wheel hits a raised bump on the road. Thinking this rivet may be it, since the linkages and joints were all done in the last 3k miles

 

djsjd,

Check your radius arm bushing on the left side. this will cause the thud you are describing, and its a very common thing to go out on these trucks.

scott