Wheel Hub/Balljoints

[Blowerhead]

I have an 01 F250 with around 75K miles. I just replaced the drivers side wheel bearing hub and took it in for state inspection. The mechanic said the passenger side ball joints were toast. Although I have not had a chance to confirm it myself I am inclined to think it is actually the wheel bearing. They jack up the truck and use a pry bar under the wheel to check for play. If there is play...., the diagnosis is balljoints.

Has anyone else had problems with the front bearing hubs, or balljoints for that matter? My hubs are manually locking. Also the hub I had replaced was done by a mechanic, but I would like to try and replace the other by myself if it is bad.

[Jon]

I love em but if you own one you need to come to this realization! Ball joints Ball joints Ball joints! I have seen a few hubs go to the bad but my week is full of Ball joints. SD's eat em up for sure by 75,000 or less based on how they've been worked. It's a fact of this wonderful life we have chosen! I'll gladly replace ball joints to keep mine!

[mschn99]

blower, it is very common for the ball joints to go loose at 50-100k. i reccomend replacing them with MOOG ball joints as they are sturdier and pack a lifetime parts warranty. the best way to check a ball joint isnt with a prybar like a kingpin, but rather with the tire off the ground, grab the buttom of the tire on the backside of the tire, and push on the outside of the top while pulling on the bottom.....if there is lateral movement, they need replaced or tire wear will start to get bad......Marc

[Ramsmoker]

Thanks for the positive imput Marc. As we speak, I'm on the laptop in the shop. I just put the 360 degree protractor on my locking hubs and found a 4 degree tilt in on the drivers side. That explains the feeling of riding a bull. I'm going to jack her up and see where the adj. is. Maybe I can squeeze another month out.

[jbunse]

I have a 00' Ext cab I just bought with 121K on it. The front is making a wicked howling noise when I let off the gas, if I am turning left its ok, if I turn right or straight it is on again off again with the howling noise.
Does that sound like a hub bearing? or something else?

[lilredpowerstroke]

Sounds like a wheel bearing to me.

[mschn99]

i would second that, sounds like a hub bearing to me...

[Ramsmoker]

Not recomended buy I had to try it. Mine was the hub bearings. I tightened both. The left one went two days and the right one is still running smooth after 10,000mi.

[mschn99]

U scare me sometimes bill

A note to everyone else, PLEASE dont try tighenting the nut on these sealed cartridge bearings.....The preload on the bearings is VERY presise and if it is loose, there is a reason it got loose...

[Logan]

Hey Marc, it is all right there in his signature.