loud popping noise

[stan1961]

Hi there,

I have 2000 Ford Ranger 4x4. For some time now when I'm making a right slow
turn the right front wheel shimmys/viburates. I'd been thinking it was probably brake caliper not releasing possibly. Anyway i'm not for sure if its related or not
but the last week it has developed a loud popping noise on the same side when taking off from a stop, as if the caliper was loose banging on spindle. Ive pulled both front wheels off and inspected every suspension part aswell as the brakes of course and they all look fine. No loose or worn parts. I cant beleive thats its not more obvious to locate. The truck actually feels if its bound up for a few seconds when this occurs.

Please help me diagnose this!

Thanking you in advance!

 

[Jspafford]

Could be a bad CV joint. Any squeaks, or whines when turning?

 

[stan1961]

Thanks for the response. CV joints came to my mind also. I did inspect the boots
and check for freeplay, aswell as rotated the shafts. Everything looked in order.
Do the front axles and the front driveshaft turn reguardless of the transfer being engaged?

 

[derekj]

Ball joints? Replaced many on Ford trucks that shudder and creak when turning the wheel.

 

[stan1961]

Put floorjack under lower a arm, didnt have any free at all top or bottom.

 

[Original_Ranger84]

Thanks for the response. CV joints came to my mind also. I did inspect the boots
and check for freeplay, aswell as rotated the shafts. Everything looked in order.
Do the front axles and the front driveshaft turn reguardless of the transfer being engaged?

Yes the 00+ rangers have a live front axle setup so that the front end spins as long as your moving all the way up to the Transfer Case.

As for the shimmy shake... jack it up on the A-arm, grab either side of the tire and move it back and forth or push one side and pull the other and then the opposite to check the steering components. then the top and bottom of the tire and do the same motion to check the wheel bearings. and stick a bar under the tire and lift up to put load on it to chekc the ball joints and stuff.

 

[Black'03LevelII]

To the O.P.

My '03 did they exact same thing you are describing, turns out the wheel bearing/ hub assembly was the problem for mine. If you look in where the axle shaft goes thew the hub assembly you should be able to see a gap and a bunch of rust in it. honestly it isn't to bad to change. Be prepared to do the other side soon as well, mine went out 6 months later.

 

[stan1961]

Thanks for the info on axle bearings. I actually check the free play on the axle bearing and spun it around, although it sounds ok I noticed on the inside of the hub there appears to be metal ring that has broken away, looks like part of a wheel seal? Could be letting rust etc. go in and causing bearing lockup? I'll take a look at tonight I hope?

Thanks again

Stan