I just bought a 2002 f-150 supercrew 3 days ago and i noticed that when i turn my wheel all the way a turn it has a poping noise but its not real loud but u can hear it...its only does it some times when im turning normal....i asked the dealer ship where i bought it an they said it was normal because of the 4x4...i have owned 3 4x4's before this and none of them did this...any ideas

 

You have a CV axle going bad. The boot probably has a rip and lost the grease.

 

i was thinking the same thing....

 

If you are going to do it yourself and need help we can talk you through it, not that hard of a job.

 

Just for the hell of it, check the tie rods and ball joints too. I've replaced all but the upper ball joints already. The popping seems likely of a bad tie rod from my experiences. Do you know the procedure to check these things, if not, let us know.

 

what is the best way to check if there bad?

 

truck is dsoing exact same thing!! so please help us!! what exactly is these things you guys are talkin about? any pictures cause im clueless where tehse are..

 

naw but if u find out please let me know

 

The CV axle is the ribbed shaft beside the rotor, upper left:

 

thats probably what i need then. cause definately told me like a month ago that itw as leaking grease but they said it wouldn't be a problem for a while. so guess i need to get that done!!

how much am i expecting to get this repaired??

Thx for the pictures also!

 

The tie rods attach to the front of the spindle. They almost look like thick frying pans threaded to a solid bar (tie rod at each end) The inner is held with a nut, the face of it perpendicular to the ground , the outer is parallel. Grab the rod that they thread to, grip hard and turn back and fourth to free em up a bit if needed. Basically, you can do this right now, wheels on and no lifting. Grab the tie rod and pull back and fourth, then up and down. Do it like you're trying to pull the truck, then push it back, so with some strength, then do it up and down. Do this on all of the tie rods. If it feels like something in the rod is loose, have a pro look at it and count on a replacement. Hard to describe it, but it should just feel solid inside and able to rotate on the ball of the rod (inside). Another way before that is if grease is leaking from the rubber boot.

Ball joints are easier to check, harder to replace. Lift the trucks front just enough to get your hand under it and then some. With both hands, grab the inner tire and pull back a few times, push too. If you feel something loose like a small click, it's the top or bottom joint, which ever end you pulled from. You'd notice if it was ****.

As far as the cv joint, it too should be grabbed, yanked and should turn but feel mounted solid. I've never had one go (yet) but I've checked this way. The boots often wear giving it away. A good note while checking these is if they are good, coat the rubber boots (accordian round rubber pieces) in silicone spray you can get from the Ford dealer. I usually wet a cloth with it, spray a bit on them and rub and turn to get it spread on good, not dripping so bad. This will prolong the life and aid against noise especially in the summer.

If none of this makes sense, can someone add pics or elaborate more, otherwise have it checked and done professionally. This is not a job (the replacing of any of these components) for an amatuer. The silicone spray idea a baby can do, just found it works great!!!!

If you have all factory (grease for life) parts with no grease fitting, that and money is not a concern, have it all replaced if things are bad. It might be cheaper, but not necessary, otherwise fix what's only crap. Replacements should all have grease fittings (prefered), except cv joints.

 

my truck dose that if i trun the wheel alot when im stopped. i just dont turn the wheel a lot when in stopped

 

yeah it only pops when i am backing up ...

 

dont turn the wheel when you are stopped and it will quit

 

BTW... do expys around the same year have tie rod probs as well? My dad has an 01, I've seen alot of threads about tie rod probs...so far expy is holding up great! just wondering...