Vibration problems

[bboone52]

I have had a strange thumping feeling under my feet since I bought my 2002 F350 4x4 last year. The thumping is not constant or regular. I have had it looked at by motorhead friends and a couple of "mechanics". I have had the truck on a lift and visualy inspected everything.

Now 12 months later I am finally hearing what seems to be a bearing. A low roar. I took the truck out of gear on a long hill to reduce the motor noice and you can easily hear the "roar". The odd thing is when I gently apply the brakes the noise is drastically reduced. There are 178K miles on the truck and I have replace the u joints and have had the shaft balanced.

Any ideas? Also, what type of shop do I want to take the truck to for repairs?

[MrJohnWayne]

could be the front hub/wheel bearings.

[luckydog]

Applying the brakes probably stabilizes the rotor and reduces the bearing "wobble."

[mschn99]

Yup...id be looking at replacing a front wheel bearing assembly....just need to isolate which side, they arent cheap.

[bboone52]

So, if it is the wheel bearing assembly shouldn't I replace both sides with 177k miles on the truck. What is a ballpark number on this job? Also what should I look for for service? Ford dealer? Specialty shop?