I need some help, mechanic cant tell what the problem is

[riss6270]

I just purchased a 2003 ranger 4x4 4.0 5 speed. Purchased it in PA and had a 70mile drive to get it home. That was about 2 weeks ago. I made the trip fine, taged it and have been driving it to work (12miles round trip) and last wednesday i started hearing a clunking sound on the drivers side wheel. I thought it was the wheel bearing so i replaced the wheel hub assembly, the sound didnt go away. The next day i purchased a new axel assembly, installed that. The sound went away for about 5 or 6 days. It seems like the sound only hapend when it gets warm out. It doesnt do it in the morining. I also replaced tie rod end. The lower ball joint is fine its stiff. Took it to a mechanic and he has no idea what it is. He didnt even hear it. I also put new breaks and rotors on, I know that wasnt the problem but it was needed. The sound isnt constant, its usually only when i slow down, usually under 30 mph. Any ideas???? Im lost i have no idea what it could be. When the sound is made i believe i can feel it in the steering wheel a little bit.

 

[nitrofan1]

Mechanic as in 1 mechanic? I think this is the time for a 2nd or 3rd opinion. Is this person an expert in suspension or general mechanics? Even the best can't diagnose everything.

Go to the local parts stores. Most have employees that deal with shops all day. Ask them if they recommend any shops that deal in chassis work say an alignment shop. It may cost a little more to get an expert to diagnose the issue but you already have thrown money at a problem that's still there.

Without looking at it in person we are just going to guess and cost you even more.

Good luck!

 

[RonD]

Clunk on deceleration could be u-joints, you "hear it" from the drivers side wheel on a 4x4 because that's the closest to you.

 

[riss6270]

ron...

Whould the noise be just a one time thing or continous? The sound im hearing is not just a one time thing. Its intermittant.

 

[captaingeek]

or it could just be your not used to driving a 4x4 truck. they make a lot of noise. also you could just have rocks stuck in the tire tread. unbalanced tires? any number of things.

get a safety inspection done then just drive it and enjoy it. turn up the radio and ignore it.

 

[PanamaExpat]

or it could just be your not used to driving a 4x4 truck. they make a lot of noise. also you could just have rocks stuck in the tire tread. unbalanced tires? any number of things.

get a safety inspection done then just drive it and enjoy it. turn up the radio and ignore it.

With an attitude like that I wouldn't want you working on my truck. I would be afraid the wheel would come off going down the highway and then strike two or three other cars and ultimately bounce into the path of an oncoming family filled minivan as it goes through the windshield killing everyone on board. People actually give you reps with answers like that? I hope you know a good lawyer.

 

[riss6270]

Yeah captin, i have owned many 4x4. Mostly dodge cummings that i used for pulling sleds. I am well aware of what noise a 4x4 makes. And i dont half a$$ anything. If im going to do something its going to be done right. I get that from having a motor in a dodge that will kill you if you are 2lbs off tq so you better be right. When you have 960 hp in a pickup truck you better make sure its done right, those engines are far more expensive that a ranger engine.

 

[70roadrunner]

i would check shock and radius arm bushings, and all steering components. have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth rapidly and check for any play. i had a chevy come to my shop with similar complaint, was a loose steering box. another thing to check is the hubs. are they auto hubs? they are notorious for sticking. hope this helps

 

[InsaneRedRooster]

Whats the frequency of the noise (how much time between clunks). I dont have your anwser but that info should help someone else diagnose it.

Sent from my LS670 using Tapatalk 2

 

[riss6270]

I just replaced u joints on the front and same problem. I was a little stunned. I only had one u joint. The other end was like a doughnut Any how it didn't work still asking the noise.

Rooster. There is no rhyme or reason. It comes and goes. It almost sounds like marbles rolling around but only last a few sec. Some times it will last longer sometimes shorter. I do and can feel it in the steering wheel.

With the suggestion on the shocks. Would I be able to hear it when I push up and down on the front of the truck. I'm not saying that's not it I was just thinking the shocks absorb bits I don't know if that would make the sound I'm hearing. I have not looked at the steering yet. That's my next area. The only reason I haven't looked yet is because I m not knowledgable on the steering. If anyone would have a schematic of the steering that would be great.

 

[riss6270]

Hubs I believe are auto. On other fords I believe they make a noise while turning. How would I check the hubs? Or what would I check

 

[FritzTKatt]

EDIT: incorrect content

Jack it up and turn the wheel to check steering for noises. If you get a hissing/creaking/groaning sound when the steering wheel is not at rest, then you need to bleed the P/S lines (maybe replace one with a pinhole leak, although not as likely). 99.9% chance it's not the P/S system in my humble opinion.

Jump up and down on the bumper, rock the boat, listen for your noises. Do a chassis lube. Hit every grease fitting you have until fresh grease comes out, using the hydrophobic, high-temp marine grease is recommended. Otherwise use one that's wheel bearing safe (so you don't have to buy more grease unnecessarily, down the road). Also that grease is typically red, so when you pump the fresh in, you can see when it's coming out. This flushes (in a ghetto sort of way) the grease. Again, this may just result in you throwing a $20 bill at the truck, but it'll thank you none the less.

 

[adsm08]

i would check ... radius arm bushings,

It's an SLA suspension, it has no radius arms.



Riss, you have no 4x4 hubs. You have a live axle, like the front of a Jeep. The front is always engaged, always turning.

The steering on your truck is pretty basic. It's a standard rack and pinion linkage with Short/Long arm setup.

 

[doorgunner]

I hope you saved all the good parts that you removed.....

so when you actually need them---

you will already have them....

 

[PanamaExpat]

Hey riss...you don't happen to have rims with beauty rings on them do you? Stray piece of gravel in a beauty ring ? Sorry I always have to ask if the simplest thing was checked first.