Rear axle noise

[GENO99]

My 2002 sport trac 4x4 has a noise in the rear end on semi rough roads. I jacked it up and found nothing and then pushed/pulled on wheels and they moved in/out a little and the noise is there. I took off wheel and hub and can see that they move in/out some, less than I/8 in. I was told there is a clip on each axle and that some wear could cause this. Need a little insight as what to do. thanks GENO

 

[MidnightRebel07]

A little in/out play is normal for axle shafts with C-clips, if it's only 1/8" there's nothing to worry about there.

Does the noise happen on smooth roads? (you said rough roads) so that would point towards suspension not internals. Check the suspension by bouncing in the bed, check for fluid on the shock tubes.

 

[Markaprice73]

+1 on what MidnightRebel07 said. That amount of play is normal.
A little more description on the noise might be helpful. Clunk, whine, squeak, etc... But, hard to help over the web with noises.
Slide under the ST on you back. Push and pull repeatedly on the spare tire. Look and listen. Shocks, loose spare, worn bushings on the sway bar, worn bushings on the sway end links, loose exhaust (hangers), leaf springs, etc.
Good luck. Keep us posted.

 

[GENO99]

Axle noise ?

I replaced all 4 shocks, ball joints and upper arm assy., new brakes all around. The sound sounds like it is in the front end and seams to be some in back behind cab area. The spare is tight, too. I notice when going over semi rough streets and bumps and you can hear a rattle type sound and like it moves up/down and is hitting something. I had my pal look under and neither can find it. I don't think it is just the axle only, but can't find anything else. lost for reason why and what it is. Thanks GENO (PS) I am trying to put a new post and this is all I can find?

 

[swshawaii]

After you've ruled out front ball joints, tie rods, end links, control arm bushings, shocks, etc. Check all four UCA camber/caster bolts. I chased a loud clunk for over a year turning into driveways and going over small bumps at slow speeds. Had the front unloaded rotating tires and found the passengers side UCA rear nut had backed off 1/8" causing all the racket. Talk about joy, people must have thought I was nuts. For the rear, do what Mark suggested above. Also grease the tailgate hinge cup and check your body mounts carefully. The Gen 1 ST's are notorious for rotting bushings, especially the four center ones directly under the cab made of worthless MCU foam. GL

http://www.agcoauto.com/content/news/p2_articleid/183

 

[429CJ-3X2]

One of the ball mounts I use in my receiver hitch fits a little loose and rattles/bangs on bumps and semi-rough streets. It doesn't sound like I would expect it to. Took me a little bit to figure it out.