Odd Front End happening

[B94Sport]

Recently I have noticed that when I let the truck roll at idle, I will get a clicking noise from what sounds like the front driver's side wheel... It is like there is something sticking out that will hit something else once per rotation. It is definitely a metallic noise... The speed of the clicks increases with the speed of the truck. Also, when I apply the brakes, the truck will slow down in a surging fashion... Like the brakes are pressed, then released, then pressed... But they are applied the whole time, and it is not as bad as it would be if the brakes were being applied and released constantly. The surging is really only noticable once speed drops below 15 MPH or so.

I have not taken the wheel off to check anything out yet. Anyone have any ideas on what to look for/what to check? I think this is also why my fuel economy is suffering... Something must be dragging.

 

[Bashman]

The clicking noise almost sounds like one of the pawls isn't completely retracted, but I noticed you have already swapped out the auto hubs. As for the surging, I am thinking either a warped rotor or bad caliper.

 

[tenikiwon]

With manual hubs don't you have to drive in reverse to get them completely released? Could that be it?

Don't know, I have auto hubs.

 

[B94Sport]

tenikiwon:
No, that is just auto hubs that require you to drive in reverse to release them.

Bashman:
Warped rotor was my first thought too... I just had them resurfaced about 6 months ago and if they are warped now I'm going to be pissed! I do not brake that often or forcefully. I will check them out. Bad caliper sounds like a good possibility.

 

[Opera House]

I had one just crack

for no apparent reason on my 92. Just a long hairline crack a couple inches that caused it to warp a little.

 

[JDraper]

Originally posted by B94Sport
tenikiwon:
No, that is just auto hubs that require you to drive in reverse to release them.

Bashman:
Warped rotor was my first thought too... I just had them resurfaced about 6 months ago and if they are warped now I'm going to be pissed! I do not brake that often or forcefully. I will check them out. Bad caliper sounds like a good possibility.

Most of the newer vehicles have thin rotors to start (saves $$ and weight for the mfg), so when you turn them, they often don't last very long. My dad had the rotors turned on his 91 Crown Vic, and they warped out 2 months later. Many times it's better just to replace them up front.

 

[tenikiwon]

Auto Hubs

Was this the earlier hubs? I have auto hubs on a '97 and never thought I had to go in reverse.

Or, do I not actually have auto hubs? I've heard that the control system is allways attached and the t-case controls engagement.

 

[Robert]

No you don't have auto hubs on '95 and up. The front hubs are directly connected to the differential through CV joints. There are no hubs to engage or disengage so reversing will not do a thing other than make you back up