Front end issue, ball joints??

CSXfan · #1 07-31-2009, 09:20 PM

Hi all,
My '99 4x4 5.9l has been making some weird grinding/rubbing noises by the front drivers side wheel. So today I finally jacked the truck up and found that I could grab the top of the wheel and wiggle it back and forth about 1/4". Not good.

I know absolutely nothing about suspension, so I'm clueless as to where to go from here. Does this sound like bad ball joints? Or something worse? What do I need in order to fix this, and how difficult is it? Can I go another 1000 miles or so like this until I can get it fixed, or am I asking for trouble?

I've done quite a bit of engine work/reg maintenance on vehicles, but I've never had to deal with this kind of thing, so any help is appreciated. Thanks.

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dsertdog56 · #2 07-31-2009, 09:40 PM

Sounds like a bad hub bearing to me. You might want to plan on doing that ASAP, and your axle joints while its apart. Wouldn't hurt to check yuor ball joints either.
Chiltons/shop manual is an ideal place for the basics on this operation. Hardest part is getting the old stuff out.

Me&MyMopar · #3 07-31-2009, 09:45 PM

Sounds to me like bad wheel bearings. I would get it up in the air and try moving it from behind to see where the play in the wheel is coming from, but my money is on the bearings.

Aubrey · #4 07-31-2009, 09:48 PM

It could be the bearing but, grabbing the top and moving it could very well be the ball joints. You need someone to watch your balls while you wiggle your meat.

Miami_Son · #5 07-31-2009, 09:54 PM

Yeah, but ball joints don't usually make grinding noises. My bet is on the bearing.

dhvaughan · #6 07-31-2009, 09:59 PM

bearing. you might can continue to drive it for a little while longer if you pay close attention to it and monitor its condition. if the play increases or the noise worsens then STOP.

i replaced mine back in the winter. i was expecting the worst, but it wasn't too bad. here's a nice how to. you remove the wheels, brakes, caliper supports, unbolt the big axle nut and then the 3 bolts on the back. if the big nut comes off and the bearing comes out, then its easy. if either of those are froze/rusted in, then it becomes a bitch. mine came right off and i was glad it did.
http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech/hub.php

edit ^ the diy is for hub bearings and u-joints. so leave the axles in, tap the bearings out and replace them.

Miami_Son · #7 07-31-2009, 10:09 PM

That's a good DIY, but it isn't necessary to remove the axle shafts to replace a hub. Better to leave them in rather than risk damaging the seals.

Aubrey · #8 07-31-2009, 10:25 PM

Ah, missed that, yeah, bearing.
I have one that needs to be replaced too. I'm not thrilled about replacing another one.

dhvaughan · #9 07-31-2009, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miami_Son

That's a good DIY, but it isn't necessary to remove the axle shafts to replace a hub. Better to leave them in rather than risk damaging the seals.

correct. leave axles in and just tap the bearings/hubs out.

CSXfan · #10 07-31-2009, 10:38 PM

Wow thanks for the DIY, good stuff there.

I think the grinding noise is the break pads rubbing funny because of the angle of the rotor, but I could be wrong. It goes away when I apply the breaks. It doesn't grind all the time, usually after making a right hand turn. It also makes a popping noise during slow speed turns when I turn the steering wheel. The popping doesn't increase/decrease with wheel speed. (this isn't because of a loose track bar like I thought in my earlier thread)

How much can I expect to pay a shop to do the replacement for me? I need this done as quick as possible. I broke my motorcycle last night, still haven't replaced our mazda after the bday bash flood, and our other truck is hauling the camper all next week. Kind of a crappy time to break things on the ram...