Front Wheel Knock

[junk4cash]

Hey there, anyone had this problem ? My 97 has almost 155k on it and yesterday, I noticed that there is a significant knock comming from the pass front wheel. This only seems to happen when I am going very slow or when I put a load on it. I was going up an incline on the highway around 65 mph and heard this thud thud thud noise. It sounds like maybe a wheel bearing ? I got out in a parking lot and grabbed the drivers side wheel and tried to pull it toward me, shaking it. No sound. When I did the pass side, I could actually move the wheel in and out and found the knock. Does this sound like the bearing ? Are they hard to change out ? Thanx guys/gals.

[sahib]

It sure sounds like a bearing to me. It can be changed but it is a bear-cat to do. I've not messed with these newer ones but have done so on an '87 Escort. It involved a press fit bearing if I remeber correctly. I would not drive it very fast if at all and would take care of problem or have it taken care of ASAP.

[busboy4]

If you can move the wheel when it is on the ground you do have something badly amiss. Start small, check those lug nuts, and check the drive axle hub nut in the center. Do you notice more noise when cornering? Could be that your CV joint(s) is/are worn out. Let us know what you find. I have done the wheel bearing and it is a big job, but do-able.
If it is CV, the shaft is not too hard to change out with a couple of loaner tools from Autozone. Re-man CV shaft runs about $100 from Autozone.

Good luck

[junk4cash]

Thanx for the input guys. It doesn't seem to be the CV joint as it isn't worse when cornering. It actually doesn't do it all the time. I just got back from running around and it only did it a few times while I was out. I will have it checked out and let you all know. Thanx again.

[sahib]

Just a suggestion. You could jack that wheel up so there is no pressure on it and check it out. You usually get a better "feel" for what might be ailing it when the wieght of the vehicle is not on it. I presume you did check the lug bolts/nuts as busboy4 suggested?

[junk4cash]

We'll, I got the call. Get your calculators ready. Wheel bearing was toast, the inner tie rod ends were "very loose" and "not safe" per the service manager at Ford. He said in order to get to the inners, he had to remove the outter and it would be stupid to not replace them while they were off. On top of that, he also said that some of the knocking could be from a worn out body mount bushing. I guess these have to be welded in and it is a common problem with these vans. It's approx 2 hours of labor and since it wasn't a safety issue right now, I passed on that part. So far I was looking at 217.00 for the bearing and 299 for the tie rod ends. A half hour later, I got another call, now the spindle needs to be replaced. The bearing was so worn, it destroyed the spindle and the bearing wouldn't stay in. The only good thing is that I had a stud that was stripped and the new spindle will have that. So all in all, here goes another 600.00 into the van this month. I have now spent 1200 in repairs just this month. I guess that's what you get for not doing anything to your vehicle for 4 years other than tires/battery and oil. I have 153k on her. Thanx again for all your help with the info.

[busboy4]

Hi, not to say that you are being had. I don't really think that. With that said, when I changed my own wheel bearing, I took the spindle to Ford to have the bearing/hub pressed out and pressed back together. The service rep I dealt with had me sign a work order which relieved them of responsibility of breaking the spindle during the bearing installtion as he said occasionally happens due to the stresses involved. So, I might simply ask to see the old spindle/bearing/hub to see for yourself.
As we say in the Flying business, "trust but verify".

[junk4cash]

Thanx, I may do that. They have been treating me well, but I would treat someone nice that was spending a grand a month. Thanx again.