[TomWalters]

Hey Everyone,

I recently started having a problem with a popping noise front end of my 2003 F350 4x4. It is not just one pop, but a series of pop-pop-pop etc. It only occurs when I have the steering wheel turned sharply to the left or right. I cannot tell for sure if the popping is coming from both front wheels, or just the drivers side.

By the way, I only have about 40,000 miles on the truck at this point.

I tried manually locking and unlocking the hubs, and there is no difference in the popping noise.

Of course, if I turn on the 4x4 hi, the transfer case engages and I get the expected tire scuffing/slippage when turning.

I have not yet had a chance to get underneath and dig into the problem with all the snow we have been getting. Just looking for some thoughts on what I might expect to run into.

Could this be bad hubs, axle shafts, etc??

Thanks in advance for your help,
Tom

 

[2004fx4]

Hey Everyone,

I recently started having a problem with a popping noise front end of my 2003 F350 4x4. It is not just one pop, but a series of pop-pop-pop etc. It only occurs when I have the steering wheel turned sharply to the left or right. I cannot tell for sure if the popping is coming from both front wheels, or just the drivers side.

By the way, I only have about 40,000 miles on the truck at this point.

I tried manually locking and unlocking the hubs, and there is no difference in the popping noise.

Of course, if I turn on the 4x4 hi, the transfer case engages and I get the expected tire scuffing/slippage when turning.

I have not yet had a chance to get underneath and dig into the problem with all the snow we have been getting. Just looking for some thoughts on what I might expect to run into.

Could this be bad hubs, axle shafts, etc??

Thanks in advance for your help,
Tom

If this is a truck with auto hubs, I would say a hub is stuck.

 

[TomWalters]

I want to apologize for posting prior to searching !!!!

Searching the forum presented a TON of hits on front end popping issues with this truck.

As 2004FX4 indicated, I will do a check of the hubs first. If they are hung up and not releasing, I found the directions on the forums for removal/cleaning/lubing/replacing, and will give that a try.

Looks like there are lots of other possibilties if the hubs are ok.... ball joints, sway bar links, needle bearings, wheel bearings....

Guess I better get to work.

Thanks,
Tom

 

[TomWalters]

Ok,

I spent the last couple of hours dealing with this issue. First, a quick check of the various bushings, tie rod ends, etc. Then checked the ball joints, and for hub bearing play. All looks good.

A quick check of the axle shafts and the passenger side is locked while the driver side spins freely. Both hubs are set on auto. Looks like the passenger side is hanging up.

Tore the unit off, took it apart. Cleaned all the parts, greased the bearing, greased the splines, etc, and put it back together. Took it out for a ride and things are much better. The esof seems to lock the units fine, so must not be any vacuum leaks. However, sometimes when I switch back to 2wd, I have to back up to get both hubs to unlock completely. Oh well, better than before. I will do the driver side tomorrow when I have more time.

I do have a question!!!! Many people say that they drive all winter long with manual hubs in the locked position. This allows them to just engage the transfer case when they need 4x4. Wouldn't they get the popping noise I was having??? I assume that it is the outer u-joints complaining since it only pops at extreme right and left turns. Or is the issue that I was having due to a "partially" engaged/dis-engaged hub????

Tom