Question for the guru's - I am at a loss!

[V8 Interceptor]

I have a 96 5.0 AWD and just replaced the TC with a freshly rebuilt one, that was 8 hours of fun! Anyway, I also just replaced the left outer tie rod and left front axle seal. More now than before I am noticing a noise that sounds similar to driving on a nearly flat tire or a really out of balance tire.

Here is what I know:

The tires just got installed and balanced less than a month ago and all weights are intact.

The reason for the tie rod replacement is that when you lift the X and put your left and on the front of the wheel and right hand on the back of the wheel, push and pull alternating hands, there seems to be about a 1/4 inch play. I ruled out wheel bearing since there was no top and bottom shimmy. The inner tie rod was found to be very much shot after the outer installation.

My question is this, could this shot left inner tie rod be causing the "flat tire" noise along with various pops and snaps when turning the X at a slow pace?

Thanks in advance gang.

J

 

[general x]

Bump

 

[jasonb]

i don't know that it would cause a flat tire noise, at least one that i'm thinking of. it could cause the pops though.
ball joints are pretty common to go bad and cause popping noises as well. that doesn't sound like your issue since you said there was no top to bottom movement. i would try replacing the inner tie rod since you know its bad already and go from there. i would assume the flat tire noise would be bearings though if its what noise i'm thinking. is it consistent with rotation of tires?

 

[V8 Interceptor]

i don't know that it would cause a flat tire noise, at least one that i'm thinking of. it could cause the pops though.
ball joints are pretty common to go bad and cause popping noises as well. that doesn't sound like your issue since you said there was no top to bottom movement. i would try replacing the inner tie rod since you know its bad already and go from there. i would assume the flat tire noise would be bearings though if its what noise i'm thinking. is it consistent with rotation of tires?

Yes it is and I also forgot to mention that sometimes on moderate braking, it sounds like there is a bad place in the rotor, but I know there isnt. Its almost like there was too much torque used to tighten the axle nut back downa dn its squeezing the heck out of the CV.

 

[IAmTodd]

Don't you have to replace the entire rack and pinion to replace the inners? Either that or a new rack and pinion comes with new inners. That might be what I'm thinking.

 

[V8 Interceptor]

Don't you have to replace the entire rack and pinion to replace the inners? Either that or a new rack and pinion comes with new inners. That might be what I'm thinking.

I was thinking that but hoping against it. I heard the racks were a PITA to change.

 

[jasonb]

i don't think you are having problems with the CVs. i think overtightening that axle nut would damage the bearings more than anything. that would suck because from what i understand they aren't cheap to replace. if that' the case, look for a thread in the for sale section by "fordbeast98". he is getting rid of all the front end stuff and may still have a bearing assembly. i've bought all my spares through members here that did SAS's and its worked out great that way.

you checked the rotor and pads to make sure there isn't anything fishy there? maybe a little pad rub or something? check to be sure you're caliper bracket anchor bolts are tightened all the way too. i've had them back out a little and it cause some nice noises.

as for changing the inner and needing to replace the rack at the same time.. i don't know that one. haven't had to do it yet so i never payed attention. wouldn't surprise me though!

 

[cjbarron5]

it is an awd right? check your wheel sensors had the same thing on a 01 and it was a wheel sensor

 

[V8 Interceptor]

it is an awd right? check your wheel sensors had the same thing on a 01 and it was a wheel sensor

Sure is and I will check them first thing this morning!

 

[KC]

Wheel Sensors - as in ABS sensors? Where are they located and how does one check them out? Thanks, this is a great site! I help out when I can but the "shimmy" on my '99 AWD is something new. Thanks for the help!

 

[Fusion213]

You can swap out the inners without buying a new rack. Buy moog.