Hey, newly registered member here. I'm hoping someone can help me troubleshoot a problem in the front end of my van. There's a popcorn type noise that sounds like it's coming from the driver's side. I thought it might the wheel bearing, but when i removed the wheel, everything there felt nice and tight. I have replaced these before, and you could tell they were bad because they wobbled around quite a bit. What specifically should I look/listen for in order to diagnose the problem? Thanks.

 

When does it make the noise? Pot holes, speed bumps, turning, parking lot manuvers?

 

Hey Tizzy.

The noise is always there. It has a real popping sound at lower speeds, with extra popping during turns, and sort of quiets down to a vibrating sound at higher speeds.

I also just found out that the pads on that side have extremely uneven wear. The inner pad was completely gone, the outer had at least 1/8" left. Meanwhile, on the passenger side, both pads had 1/4" left.

 

If you jack the front end off the ground, does it still make the noise?

 

I could barely hear a rattling with the front end up on jack stands. Definitely nothing like it sounds when driving it.

 

Is it rythmic or kind of spuratic.

 

Not really rhythmic - it's kind of like popcorn popping. The sound is always there, but it's not the exact same sound repeated over and over.

 

Have the sway bar links been replaced? sounds like that could be your issue.

 

I appreciate all the help. Unfortunately, I am apparently an idiot and/or deaf. The reason none of this sense to me is because the noise was the rear wheel bearing. I'm so used to things going bad on the front end of these things I just zoned in on that and never thought it might be coming from the back.

I apologize for putting you through the guessing game.

 

I got the same issue. Yet i know it is coming from the front drivers side. It happens more when i either accelerate, and coming to a stop.

Plus now there is popping sounds coming when i turn.

Any ideas on what it is, and how to go about fixing it? I don't know diddly squat about cars. But i am not dumb and not afraid to dig in and get things done myself. Though i'd rather pay someone to do it. hehehe.