03 XLT V6

[03Explo20]

Noticed a slight "pop" noise along with some "crunching" when pushing the drivers side front suspension up and down. I replaced the bearing a few years back along with inner and outer tie rods as well as the strut assembly. Everything was fine up until a few days ago. I checked the tightness of the hub nut as well as the lugs but both are tight.I haven't yet pulled the tire due to the weather here.

Anyone have a thought as to what could be going on? I'm guessing the bearing is bad already. Thoughts?

 

[mbrando1994]

Take the wheel (jacked in air), at the 3 and 9 positions and wiggle for play, if there is any likely a tie rod/steering rack issue, or a worn bearning/hub, then take the wheel at the 6 and 12 positions (only if you have jack stands supporting the area, and check for play there, that could indicate any of the other suspension parts are worn such as ball joints. Popping is sometimes associated with the CV axle whilst turning, try to listen for that next time you're driving as well.

What brand/make was the bearing you installed?

 

[Drewmcg]

To test the lower ball joint on this suspension, you need to place the jack at a specific position: under the lower control arm. Then use a long 2x4 or pry bar to raise/lower the tire while visually inspecting the lower ball joint for vertical play.

Sounds like it could be a broken sway bar link to me.

 

[03Explo20]

Thanks guys. I removed the wheel and took a look at everything and nothing is broken. The sway bar link is in tact as are the sway bar, tie rods, and strut assembly. I checked bearing play and there is none. Neither is there are movement at 12 and 6. I have no friggin idea here.

When I lowered the truck back to the ground and shook the drivers side up and down, I still have that "crunch" type noise. I checked on the passenger side and there is no noise whatsoever.

I did notice the brakes are getting on the lower side but don't believe that would cause the crunching sound. Hmmm..I'm stumped here! I'll have to investigate further or have the guys at the garage take a look.

Thanks all!

 

[mbrando1994]

By 'shaking' do you mean pushing say on the fender to compress the springs? It could be the struts, When you push down on the corner of the car there should be no more than I believe 2 bounces down up down. If there's excessive bounciness chances are the struts should be changed. Since the noise is only present on the drivers side I'd focus there. Take that wheel off and the splash guards. Really look around for anything that could be being pinched, pay close attention to wires/lines and the ABS speed sensor cable running up to the engine bay. It may be possible that something is indeed being 'crunched' somewhere. If not it may just be the strut tower. Do you have any cupping on your tire?

 

[03Explo20]

I did remove that wheel yesterday but found nothing out of the ordinary. The only thing I did recently was rotate the tires. I think I'm going to rotate that side back and see what happens then. The struts are about three years old and still look new. No excessive bounce at all.

Maybe a bad ball joint possibly?