Front End Clunking/Clicking While Turning at Low Speeds

[aschafer14]

I am trying to diagnose a noise coming from the front end while turning, it only happens when turning at low speeds and only under throttle. If I let off or coast into a turn there is no noise. It also happens in both directions. It is a low grumble clunking that is constant based on wheel speed. I initially discovered that the left front axle nut wasn't torqued properly and there was a ton of play in the hub. I expected to find destroyed bearings when I pulled everything apart but everything looked good. I still replaced the bearings but unfortunately the noise is still there. The only other red flag is the dried up grease around the lower kingpin. Has anyone had anything similar?

 

[soaringpotato]

My first thought is perhaps 4x4 is still engaged somehow. Perhaps the drivetrain is fighting against dry asphalt?

 

[ITTOG]

It definitely sounds like the bearing is damaged. Even if it visibly looks fine.

Did you inspect the races for damage?

 

[aschafer14]

I replaced the bearings and races with new Timken's, I really thought it was the bearings too.

I thought it might be the 4wd but the hubs seem to lock and unlock fine, the front driveshaft isn't spinning when disengaged.

There was some axial play in the axle shaft when I had everything apart but I assumed that was normal. I was able to pull it in and out maybe an 1/16"-1/8"

One other thing to note, I was able to pull the freewheel hub of as an assembly, just removed the 6 bolts and once I broke the sealant free it came right out. I saw someone mention snap ring pliers in the wheel bearing thread but I'm assumed it was only needed if rebuilding the freewheel hubs as well.

 

[Aussie Iron]

Yes, there should be a snap ring that holds the axle in the hub.
Undo the little allen key screws and remove the outer part of the hub. Then you need to remove the circlip on the end of the axle and the six bolts to remove the rest of the hub.

The shudder/noise :- bear with me. It is not uncommon in our Canters if the limited slip in the rear diff is not slipping smoothly it loads and unloads while turning slowly and the shudder/noise seems to feel likes the problem is in the front axle. In 2 and 4WD worse in 2WD.

Dan.

 

[Howard70]

@Aussie Iron's proposal is likely. I've had two Canter FGs (2014 & 2017). Both developed noises exactly like you described. Draining rear differential fluid & replacing with Mitsubishi limited slip fluid solved the problem for me - even though I swore the noise came from the front of the truck. Some friends with the same trucks prefer using regular gear oil and adding a friction modifier sold by Ford Motor Company rather than the limited slip fluid.

Howard Snell

 

[soaringpotato]

Never would have thought it'd be the rear diff. That's great to know. Another poster here awhile back suggested adding a friction modifier along with the usual rear diff fluid to help things move along.

 

[aschafer14]

Well that is definitely worth a shot, that would be amazing if it was just a fluid change to fix it. I'll give it a try in the next couple days. I also need to look into the missing snap rings, I wonder if there is enough movement in the axle shaft where it is trying to engage the hub

 

[SkiFreak]

I'll give it a try in the next couple days

Can I suggest that you post the results, one way or the other.

 

[aschafer14]

I got antsy antsy and changed the fluid and added in some of the Motorcraft/Ford friction modifier this afternoon and I am happy to report that it totally fixed the issue. I still can't believe it was that simple and that noise was coming from the back and not the front. I was a little bummed when I first pulled out of the driveway and still heard it but after a few figure 8's in a parking lot the friction modifier must have worked its way in and it got better and better. Thanks so much for the advice.