playing card in spokes

[frost-nc]

Just had my "killer" tires replaced by the dealer (that I do not really trust). This may just be a coincidence.

Now, my '98 XLT has a faint noise in the front end best heard/felt at about 8-10 mph. I can only describe it like when you used to put a playing card in your bicycle spokes.

Is this the start of ring/pinion problem? "U" joint? I've been under the truck but could feel anything loose. Please advise.

 

[jimmiecakes]

??? Rock in the tread?

 

[RTStork]

Originally posted by jimmiecakes
??? Rock in the tread?

Thats what I was thinking.

 

[frost-nc]

still looking...

Thanks for the sug. but duration is much to fast even at 5 mph. Got it in and on the lift but could see/feel nothing. Must be a u-joint getting dry? They have 63k miles on them now. Will change both rear's and give you an update.

 

[frost-nc]

Getting closer...

FYI! After much listening, discussion and cussin' we have decided that the prob is the front right wheel bearing. Will replace and advise.
- - - - -
The thumping was present in 2/4/4-low gear, forward or reverse so the transmission shop said it was probably not in the trans/transfer case. So I replaced all three U-joints. NO GOOD.
- - - - -
If you pick the truck up, start it and put it in gear you can NOT hear/feel the thumping. Dodge dealer service guys (all friends, thank God) said this means it is not in the drive train. Viper transmission tech took truck for drive, going down the road if you swerve to the left it loads the weight onto the right side and the noise becomes worse. If you swerve to the right, it loads the weight on the left side and the noise almost goes away completely. Cost of hub to replace: $253 retail. Will advise once replaced

 

[kgd102]

I wonder if this is the problem happening with my 98 Sport (except the noise comes from the driver's side). For about 6-7 months now I have had this noise that can really only be noticed at lower speeds at like moving idle-15 mph. The ford dealer here had it in the shop for about 40 hours and has absolutely no clue what the hell the problem is. They can hear it and feel it but can't fix it. Please let me know if it is in fact the front wheel bearing that has gone bad. Mine started also around the time (shortly after) that I got my firestones replaced from the dealer.

 

[01EB5.0]

If it's a ticking sound thats only present since the tire change, check how they put the weights on the wheels. my mom's 94 van has the "tape weights" and the passanger side one clicks against the front brake slider thing..it's very slight, but you can hear it ticking.

 

[frost-nc]

A Fix!

OK! Here's the latest. Installed the hub mentioned above purchased from Ford dealer on the right front side. Backed out of the garage; NO CHANGE! Said a few choice words, pulled back in.

Took the old right front hub and installed it on the left front. Backed out, prob gone! YES, there is a God. Talked to tech from before, he said since there is a inner/outer bearings on each side it gets a little tricky picking which side is bad.
- - -
Now I have some funky steering thing going on. When I turn the wheel it shakes back and forth like the belt/pump is slipping, sort of. It's seems to be getting better the longer I drive it. Will update on this prob later. Any Q's, let me know.

 

[Jason_25]

Dn't worry about the the shaking. There's just air in your system. It will bleed out eventually. It is caused by turning the wheel without the truck running.

 

[01EB5.0]

Did you double check the oil level in the steering pump? Mine needed to be refilled after I turned the wheel with the truck off.