Ford F-250 Front End

RuffRiddin99 · 10-21-2009, 09:10 AM

1999 F-250 4x4 7.3

The front end makes a "clunk" when I turn the wheel. It is not the ball joints as they were just replaced. Any idea what it might be and where i can start?

eponator · 10-21-2009, 11:48 AM

Are you moving when it makes the sound or does it happen at a complete stop too? Rolling in 4x4 or only 2x?

Crmzendrgone · 10-21-2009, 12:51 PM

Was the installation of the ball joints done right?

mrjohnwayne · 10-21-2009, 05:55 PM

could still be a binding issue with the ball joints but my money is on a hub sticking. really easy to pull off the manual selectors and grease em up.

eponator · 10-21-2009, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrjohnwayne

could still be a binding issue with the ball joints but my money is on a hub sticking. really easy to pull off the manual selectors and grease em up.

I also think its the hubs sticking and that's pretty common on these trucks. Figured asking questions would be better than just taking blind guesses heh.

mrjohnwayne · 10-21-2009, 06:52 PM

yeah it is "kinda" a blind guess, but there is no major work or money to inspect this issue... a free fix if you already have grease

plus as you said it is very common on these trucks, and he just said the ball joints were replaced so there may be dirt or something in the hub that might not of got cleaned off upon reassembly causing it to stick.

don't hate me, I just have a very weird way of thinking on things....

chickenbone · 10-21-2009, 07:22 PM

I have to disagree. Have the same truck with the same lift and tires. Mine is an 03.

What you need to check in this order, is make sure your mounting bolts on your Steering box are tight. Check for rust slides around washers. Then check for steering play. Make sure your steering shaft is tight.

Then check if you have the Factory front end componets. If you do the noise your hearing is coming from the center link where its attached together at the center link.
Don't cheat buy the whole ******** thing, Tie rod ends and center links. Don't forget the pitman arm. Everyone does these upgrades and forgets to do this. It wears your Factory one out fast. Do yourself a favor buy Moog componets it should only cost around $450 for all parts.

I had the same noise when i bought mine. It was lifted with factory parts and the clunk came along for free of charge.When i replaced those, i have a great ride ever time i drive it with out the noise.

chickenbone · 10-21-2009, 07:25 PM

Also its decieving where that noise is. I thought the same thing. Jack your front end up and have someone turn the wheel. Save yourself sometime and check the front drive shaft while its aloft.

leolkfrm · 10-22-2009, 05:05 AM

make sure the spline on the front shaft is greased and moving freely

Towtruck · 10-22-2009, 08:12 AM

I'm with chickenbone.

10-21-2009, 09:10 AM	#1
RuffRiddin99 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 91	Ford F-250 Front End 1999 F-250 4x4 7.3 The front end makes a "clunk" when I turn the wheel. It is not the ball joints as they were just replaced. Any idea what it might be and where i can start?

10-21-2009, 11:48 AM	#2
eponator Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: West Covina, Ca Posts: 363	Are you moving when it makes the sound or does it happen at a complete stop too? Rolling in 4x4 or only 2x? __________________ '99 F350 5.4L crewcab Longbed

10-21-2009, 12:51 PM	#3
Crmzendrgone Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,420	Was the installation of the ball joints done right? __________________ ENGINES PRODUCE POWER. MOTORS RECEIVE POWER. https://lastroundbestround.com/Home_Page.html

10-21-2009, 05:55 PM	#4
mrjohnwayne Senior Moderator Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 3,722	could still be a binding issue with the ball joints but my money is on a hub sticking. really easy to pull off the manual selectors and grease em up. __________________ John Wayne 2000 F-350 7.3L Powerstroke 4x4

10-21-2009, 06:52 PM	#6
mrjohnwayne Senior Moderator Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 3,722	yeah it is "kinda" a blind guess, but there is no major work or money to inspect this issue... a free fix if you already have grease plus as you said it is very common on these trucks, and he just said the ball joints were replaced so there may be dirt or something in the hub that might not of got cleaned off upon reassembly causing it to stick. don't hate me, I just have a very weird way of thinking on things.... __________________ John Wayne 2000 F-350 7.3L Powerstroke 4x4

10-21-2009, 07:22 PM	#7
chickenbone Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: South Jersey Posts: 58	I have to disagree. Have the same truck with the same lift and tires. Mine is an 03. What you need to check in this order, is make sure your mounting bolts on your Steering box are tight. Check for rust slides around washers. Then check for steering play. Make sure your steering shaft is tight. Then check if you have the Factory front end componets. If you do the noise your hearing is coming from the center link where its attached together at the center link. Don't cheat buy the whole ******** thing, Tie rod ends and center links. Don't forget the pitman arm. Everyone does these upgrades and forgets to do this. It wears your Factory one out fast. Do yourself a favor buy Moog componets it should only cost around $450 for all parts. I had the same noise when i bought mine. It was lifted with factory parts and the clunk came along for free of charge.When i replaced those, i have a great ride ever time i drive it with out the noise.

10-21-2009, 07:25 PM	#8
chickenbone Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: South Jersey Posts: 58	Also its decieving where that noise is. I thought the same thing. Jack your front end up and have someone turn the wheel. Save yourself sometime and check the front drive shaft while its aloft.

10-22-2009, 05:05 AM	#9
leolkfrm Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: N.Y. Posts: 4,300	make sure the spline on the front shaft is greased and moving freely __________________ 4 wheels move the body 2 wheels move the soul B.W.A.I

10-22-2009, 08:12 AM	#10
Towtruck Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Ft.liqourdale, FL. Posts: 95	I'm with chickenbone. __________________ ASHES TO ASHES, DUST TO DUST, IF IT WEREN'T FOR CHEVY'S MY TOOLS WOULD RUST

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