Front end problems!!!! GRRR

[Mountainbikeguy]

I have a 2000 Mercury Mountaineer 5.0 with an issue I just don't know much about. I have read the posts and really don't feel like spending a lot of money to replace parts if it won't fix it. I have a bumping or thumping noise which sounds like its coming from the drivers side. Slower at slow speeds then increases to match my speed. I can do most repairs myself, but I am more of an engine guy and I have no clue where to start. It actually looks like there have been some recent repairs on the drivers side... boots look newer, tie rod not moving, lower bal joint looks good.. the upper one has a tear in the boot, not sure if that could be it or not. Any help would be great.. Thanks!

 

[My03Explorer]

I have a 2000 Mercury Mountaineer 5.0 with an issue I just don't know much about. I have read the posts and really don't feel like spending a lot of money to replace parts if it won't fix it. I have a bumping or thumping noise which sounds like its coming from the drivers side. Slower at slow speeds then increases to match my speed. I can do most repairs myself, but I am more of an engine guy and I have no clue where to start. It actually looks like there have been some recent repairs on the drivers side... boots look newer, tie rod not moving, lower bal joint looks good.. the upper one has a tear in the boot, not sure if that could be it or not. Any help would be great.. Thanks!

Is it happening more frequently while turning? Driving straight? Is it just constant?

 

[Mountainbikeguy]

constant... I think thumping is the wrong word.. it kinda sounds like a wobble wheel. I changed out the tire with the spare thinking that it could be the tire, however, noise was still there. Im thinking it might be the hub assembly and bearings. Also thought rotor, it looked kind of warped, but I have nothing to test it against, but might replace anyway.

 

[My03Explorer]

A humming sound would def. be a hub assembly. A swooshing sound that disapates and then gets louder could be a rotor. A quick test to see if its the hub... While driving at maybe 35-40 veer left and then veer right. If the noise goes away on either of these then it is the opposite hub. If its the rotor when you break it should pull to one side or the other, or feel pretty good vibration through the pedal.

 

[Mountainbikeguy]

its like mmmm-------mmmm------mmmm kind of like a tire rub and gets faster with speed increase. The brakes don't pull in either direction, and there is no vibration. Maybe something else.

 

[tbird462002]

your hub and bearing assembly is most likely bad in the front from what you describe. Get a timken assembly from autozone they are by far the best out there. Check ebay might be able to get it cheap. You should do both sides if one is bad the other is probably soon to follow.

I have also seen bad belts in tires make this noise but that is a little more rare.

 

[Mountainbikeguy]

Thank you. I will pick one up and post the results.

 

[Mountainbikeguy]

So I went and picked up a new hub assembly. Changed it out, changed the brakes while I was at it.... WORKS GREAT!!!! Thank you for your replies and helping me solve this issue.

 

[Truckgirl96]

I don't have any issues stopping or any off vibrations when applying the brakes, I have a bumping sound that only happens at speeds less than 45-50. Also, it goes away completely when I engage the front end. Could it be the axles in the front? We have already replaced the u-joints in the main drive axle. Any tips, hints, or suggestions?