Hello everyone. It's time to consult the wisdom of RF once again!

To save myself from typing because it's late... Please read this thread:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=269409

I'm having the EXACT same problem. The only catch is that BOTH of my front wheel hubs are brand new as of late last summer. This issue happened even after I had replaced both hubs.

Only other work I've done to the front is replaced brake pads/rotors/passenger side caliper.

Any advice is greatly appreciated. I'm also running very low on time here so LoL the sooner the better.

-RJ

 

Can't find the thread but I recall someone here had a bent / cracked spindle that caused the same problem.

 

Ok well what the hell part is the spindle?

 

4wd rangers dont have spindles...they have knuckles

 

Hubs , spindles , knuckles , Let's get some definitions here so we are all on the same page.

 

My thoughts exactly!!

OMFG wow I just realized I never identified my truck.

It's an 02 Ranger XLT FX4, 4wd, 5 speed, dual stick, 4.0 SOHC, extended cab.... whew. This poor truck only has 85K and it's been beaten to Hell, survived, and came back for more. Now, it's time to put some maintenance into my ride. Starting with figuring out WTF is causing this noise.

Like I've stated, both front wheel hubs are brand new as of Sept/Oct of last year. I replaced the calipers, pads, and rotors right around that time. ABS sensors are brand new since they come with the hubs.

Did I mention my ABS light comes on from time to time. Doesn't affect braking any.

This rubbing sound has gotten progressively worse since my last inspection which was right after Christmas (last year). My truck got two new rear tires at that point but I turned down alignment. It needs that, too.

Bottom line up front, I NEED to find out what's causing this rubbing sound and fast. The front end seems to have a SLIGHT shimmy to it, and the steering wheel shakes ever so slightly, as well.

What should I check first and how do I check it?

Thanks,
RJ

 

Ok here's an update. I finally had a chance to jack up the front end and as I did, the passenger tire straightened out...meaning the bottom was sagging out a bit. Well, I took a look in there and I'm able to move the entire knuckle/spindle/whatever-you-want-to-call-it assembly back and forth about a 1/8th inch. This is where the upper ball joint is.

The driver side is solid and does not budge.

I'm replacing the upper ball joint today.

I'll see what happens and report back.

 

make sure to get moog brand greasable upper bj. if the arm hasnt already been replaced ull have to buy the moog control arm with bj.

 

That's exactly what I did.

It took all of 30 mins to install but that did NOT solve the rubbing sound.

Oh well. It drives a tad better but still not fixed.

 

damn that sucks...i hate to tell you this but it might be in your best interest to take it to the dealer before you throw any more parts at it

 

Last time I did that, I got shafted... HARD

Besides, I do not have the time to do that. Live I've said, I'm getting deployed soon and time is of the essence.

 

Bump? I'm about to try putting new tires on the front and getting a 4 wheel alignment.

 

Well, ok, update...

I rotated the tires today and guess what: Vibration is 99% gone.... in the front, anyway.

So now with the front tires on the rear, the rear started shaking/vibrating.

I'm taking this truck back to Firestone and telling them, "EFF YOU!!" Now fix my stuff because it worked fine before it left here!@#$%