Suspension Tech General discussion of suspension for the Ford Ranger.

Popping at low speeds

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Old 01-27-2009
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Icon5 Popping at low speeds

Okay for about a few weeks I have noticed it. Today it got worse. It's not a hard pop, but enough to catch my attention. It only happens at low speeds like 20 and below. It is also only on the drivers side. I figure it's probably ball joint going out on me, but figured I would throw it up here to see if anyone agrees or thinks its something else.
 
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Old 01-27-2009
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just jack her up and check out the front end man.
 
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Old 01-27-2009
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Originally Posted by darkstar_420
just jack her up and check out the front end man.
x2.. could be a cv or a bushing as well.
 
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Old 01-27-2009
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ball joint, outer tie rod, inner tie rod, wheel bearing, u-joint...

how many miles on the truck? have you ever done a total over haul?
 
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Old 01-27-2009
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Originally Posted by edgeman4.0
x2.. could be a cv or a bushing as well.
its 2wd...
 
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Old 01-27-2009
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sway bar link could be broken as well
 
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Old 01-27-2009
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Originally Posted by Redneckstone
its 2wd...
oo didnt see that.
 
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Old 01-27-2009
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Originally Posted by Redneckstone
ball joint, outer tie rod, inner tie rod, wheel bearing, u-joint...

how many miles on the truck? have you ever done a total over haul?
Just shy of 73k and no I haven't. Not very familiar with this stuff that's why I posted.
 
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Old 01-27-2009
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push in and out on the top of the wheel while its in the air to check for ball joints/bearings, the same on the bottom of the tire to check ball joints/bearings, spin wheels for bearings listen for rough noises, push tire side to side and feel for play in the tie rods. You can also grab the sway bar and pull around on it feel for bushing play. also check the link kits that attatch the sway bar to the truck, if they are shot you will hear a clicking while your driving.

Most places will check your front end for free if you wanna head over to a mechanic also, if you dont know much about it.
 
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Old 01-27-2009
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Mine does a popping at low speeds but kinda only when I turn. I looked under the truck and it is the tie-rods. Mine are blown out.
 
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Old 01-27-2009
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Originally Posted by Marcaronio
sway bar link could be broken as well
another good one^

Originally Posted by Sonic04Edge
Just shy of 73k and no I haven't. Not very familiar with this stuff that's why I posted.
ya at 73k its about time to go a whole front end rebuild
 
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Old 01-27-2009
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Originally Posted by Redneckstone
another good one^



ya at 73k its about time to go a whole front end rebuild
I will have to go test the wheel after I eat, but I did pull it off and took a look. I noticed one of the bushings for the lower control arm is rotted. The ball joints "looked" 0kay, but I will still test it. Here is a pic I took with my phone showing the one I am talking about.
 
Attached Thumbnails Popping at low speeds-0127091243.jpg  
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Old 01-27-2009
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Mike I'm about to totally rebuild my front end, I'm at 75k and its time to as well. I'll keep track of all the part numbers and other things I use.
 
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Old 01-27-2009
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Originally Posted by 04blackedge
Mike I'm about to totally rebuild my front end, I'm at 75k and its time to as well. I'll keep track of all the part numbers and other things I use.
Thanks Trent! Let me know on prices as well.
 
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Old 01-27-2009
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Figure out what all you need and bring it to the shop and we'll get it done. Whenever your ready.
 
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Old 01-27-2009
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Originally Posted by darkstar_420
push in and out on the top of the wheel while its in the air to check for ball joints/bearings, the same on the bottom of the tire to check ball joints/bearings, spin wheels for bearings listen for rough noises, push tire side to side and feel for play in the tie rods. You can also grab the sway bar and pull around on it feel for bushing play. also check the link kits that attatch the sway bar to the truck, if they are shot you will hear a clicking while your driving.

Most places will check your front end for free if you wanna head over to a mechanic also, if you dont know much about it.
Just checked everything you said. Everything seems good to go. When I pushed in and out on the top it moved maybe 1/16 of an inch. So I dont believe that's it and everything else was solid. I think it might be my bushings on my lower a-arm. So I will probably just plan on doing a front end rebuild in the next couple of weeks.
 
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Old 01-27-2009
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itll probly move a little, because theres probly some bearing play, but mine does that to and i repacked my bearings like 2 months ago.
 
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