Recently noticed a thumping sound coming from what seems to be front drivers side, had to replace same side wheel bearings (sealed) two years ago, hopefully thats not it again, at that time I also had to replace rotor and pads. Gonna take a closer look today to see if I can see anything. Any Suggestions?


97 F-150 XLT ORP 4x4
83,000 miles 4.6l V-8

 

I'm far from an expert but one thing to have look at is the tire. Could be the belts are separating or it is out of round.

Try rotating the tires and see if the noise moves.

 

I thought about that but wasn't sure, thanks it isn't a constant sound, it does it then it goes away, then it may or may not return, its like a ghost noise, and you can feel it in the floor.

 

Rotated tires today, they needed it. I t seemed like driver side hub had a little play in it, think I may have problem with sealed bearings, I do think it is the same side that I replaced 2 years ago. What would cause bearings in the front wheel hub ***. to fail? After I replace it should I get an alignment?
Any input would be greatly apprieciated.

 

are you sure that your seating the bearings when you replace them...turn the rotor as you tighten down on the bearings...if possible put the wheel itself on and do the adjustment...on another note have you looked at your linkage on the sterring?...tie rod ends,pitman arm,idler arm

 

I'm not sure what you mean by seating them, I had to buy the complete hub with the bearings in them, according to the Haynes book it is a sealed unit that cannot be serviced and if found to be deffective the whole thing has to be swaped out. It didn't take long to do the last time, it just sucks that the same hub bearing assy. would go after only two years. All other components looked good and I shot some grease into my pitman arm to stop the squeeking, it worked.

 

Hub assembly...dduuuhh...4x4..you might check your ball joints if they are out it's not riding true and putting undo pressure on the hub assembly

 

Check the inner and outer tie rod ends for play. You should also check the upper and lower ball joints. The last thing to check is the idler arm. BTW the idler arm is greasable.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

Thanks JMC will check this weekend, If something is loose, is there a fix or do you have to replace, hard job?

 

Replacing them is relatively easy. You will need an alignment afterwards. The only part that will not require an alignment after replacement is the idler arm.

JMC

 

Is there a specific types of replacement parts you recommend if it come to it, and whats the best place to get them. I know Autozone and Advance can order the bearing (around $150) but what about the other parts? Thanks I'm gonna surf around and price check.

 

Moog, they have life warranty and grease fittings.

JMC

 

My 1998 F-150 4x4 made a loud thumping noise up front to every time I turned the wheel. Come to find out it was the front swaybar end link that was broke. So you might want to check that to.

 

pulled off bearing today, shot. ordered one from Advance Auto $154 takes about 15min to do. Checked all others (tie-rods, idler, ball joints) look okay. I'm gonna get an alignment after I put the new bearing on and see whats up.

 

pulled off bearing today, shot. ordered one from Advance Auto $154 takes about 15min to do. Checked all others (tie-rods, idler, ball joints) look okay. I'm gonna get an alignment after I put the new bearing on and see whats up.