'97 Limited - Cyclical Thump in Front End

[sbean009]

My 1997 Limited, with only 45,000 miles, has started to have a soft, cyclical thump. It is definitely not rotors, the front diff or the slip yoke. The noise consistently goes up and down with the tire speed. It does not appear to be engine related either. The tires have even wear, no cupping or any other visible tire defect. Any suggestions on diagnosis?

 

[Ak LTD Xplorer]

is it a awd or 4x4?

 

[NotorEs-XLT]

Did you check the camber adj.? Or your inner tie rods?

 

[sbean009]

It is a 4X4. I have not checked the camber or tie rods yet, but when I had the front diff serviced and the slip yoke greased last week, the garage guy did not mention anything looking wrong. I occasionally use my Exploder off road, to include fording a river to get to my hunt club. That's why I suspected the diff or the slip yoke. Both were in good shape.

Still scratching my head.....

 

[Ak LTD Xplorer]

sound's like a CV joint to me..that's exactly what my dad's 97 awd sounded like when his driver side cv joint was on it's way out..sense you have a 97 you have to have your truck in auto 4x4 all the time(unless your in 4x4) so that could cause it to be used alot..BTW my dad's cv joint went a 47k

 

[shadow]

this will sound far fetched, but have you taken off the wheel at the noise since you had it serviced last week?

if not, do that and put it back on and tighten the lug nuts evenly.

I have seen this happen more than once and it sounds just like the rotors are being gouged by a rock or metal.

The aluminium wheels make a hell of a racket if not on right.

good luck and wish you well

 

[sbean009]

Thank you all for your replies. After Shadow's suggestion, I decided to take the truck in to my tire shop for a 4 wheel tire rotation and balance. Problem appears to be solved. My working theory is that I knocked off one of the lead weights the last time I went through the river. Thanks again....

Happy Trails!