clicking from rear 2003 XLS 4.0

[whoknows]

recently had my brake pads done. and dont know if it was right after or close to right after getting this done that i notice a clicking (sounds like a U-joint going bad) from the rear. it happens at low startup speeds and braking speeds (5- 20 mph) about 35% of the time. it becomes more pronounced when making a u-turn type turn at these speeds and i can hear a single click at higher speeds when i hit a hard bump.

have taken it to two mechanics and they have checked the truck and found nothing wrong, however, i dont think they heard the clicking that i am speaking of since it doesnt happen all the time.

i would overlook it, but it seems like a troublesome sound and it bugs the crap out of me.

any help is appreciated. thanks!

 

[whoknows]

anyone?

 

[whoknows]

this is driving me insane

can anyone help?

 

[02dubs]

sounds like a problem i had...it was the bearings....... try jacking up the side you hear the noise on and see if you can move the wheel left to right....if so,you need a new bearing

 

[joefnh]

Could be bearings

I have a 2003 4.0L XLT 4x4 with ~70k on it (85% highway miles) and have recently noticed the same issue, a clicking at low speeds. I recently had to replace first the drivers side front wheel bearing at 67k and just last week at 70k the passenger side bearing. Both were grinding when I inspected them after removal. It was quite surprising that both wheel bearings went bad at ~70k. With that said I would not be surprised to find the rear bearings having a problem as well.

Overall I am disapointed with the quality of some of the parts on this truck. 70k is too soon for wheel bearing replacements. Additionaly in the past 20k miles I have had to replace the alternator, idler wheel, TPS and MAF for hard failures.

Good Luck and let me know what you find out

--Joe