Bad Front End Shake to Steering Wheel and loud clunking on right hand turn

[wcrbikemike]

I have reviewed many of the other posts relating to the two things and the FAQ but could not determine the issue.

The last two times I have had my 2001 LC out it started shaking real bad through the steering wheel and you can see the front end of the truck swaying back and forth. After getting off an exit and making a slow speed right hand turn there were several loud clunks (did not sound like the typical CV joint clicking). I also noticed a burning smell. It did not smell like brake pad overheating it was more like a rubberis smell but not the smell you would get from an overworked/overheated tire. I am thinking maybe an axle? Any input would be greatly appreciated. The truck has 139K on it and has not given me any problems in the past except for a front driver side caliper hanging up about two years ago.

 

[trainrech]

Jack it up and make sure you don't have a wheel bearing on its way out.

Sent from my iPad using IH8MUD

 

[12guns]

Have you jacked up the front end yet? That's the first step for sure. You could have a bearing going out, and if it's bad enough it could allow the axle shaft to rub the inner bearing seal and cause the smell you described.
You'll feel the entire wheel wobble w/ the wheel jacked up off the ground.
If the bearing is tight, check the cv boots for wear from heat which could be from the CV's getting hot if they are in need of grease or a rebuild.
When/if you find the wobble and if it's not the wheel bearing, have somebody jiggle the wheel while you feel for the loose part. It should be fairly easy to narrow down. Could be ball joints, inner or outer tie rod ends, ect.
Your stabilizer link bushings and sway bar bushings could be worn, but they won't cause any heat build up, unless a link is completely broken and digging into a cv boot or something. But if that were the case, I'm not sure you could drive at all.

Hope you track your problem down! Sounds like one that needs to be addressed asap, rather than driving much/any.

 

[wcrbikemike]

Thank you for the replies. I will take a look at it next week when I have time. I have a dd so the 100 can stay parked until I get to it.

 

[SouthernSS]

sounds like a bearing is out. Does the noise get worse or better when you apply lateral force to it? Like when you turn left or right in a sweeping curve?

 

[wcrbikemike]

sounds like a bearing is out. Does the noise get worse or better when you apply lateral force to it? Like when you turn left or right in a sweeping curve?

Yes, that is the case. It will shake when going straight but no noise besides the front end shaking. Turning left makes no different sounds but turning right is what makes the clunking sound.

 

[wcrbikemike]

I just managed to get the front drivers side jacked up and if I grab the wheel at the 12 oclock and 6 oclock positions and apply pressue in a push/pull motion the wheel rocks like there is play in it. If I do the same thing in the 9 oclock and 3 oclock positions it stays solid. Is this a sign of the bearing being bad?

 

[SouthernSS]

oh yeah, I'd just buy the whole hub, it costs more but installation is a breeze compared to pressing in a new bearing.

 

[wcrbikemike]

I forgot to mention in the orriginal post that when the shaking started the truck also pulled to the left. That had me thinking something with the brakes but that all looks good as far as anthing hanging up.

 

[Gottagetone]

Order up the parts from Just Differentials and rebuild both hubs, you will be good to go.

 

[hkeller]

OP, How many miles and what year, please.

 

[wcrbikemike]

OP, How many miles and what year, please.

It was mentioned in the OP but it is a 2001 with 139K miles.

 

[Gottagetone]

Front wheel bearing repack is regular maintenance that many overlook.

 

[wcrbikemike]

How often does that need to be done. I had the entire 90K service done a bit late at 98K and I know they did them at that point.

 

[hkeller]

Opps

It was mentioned in the OP but it is a 2001 with 139K miles.

Sorry. Thanks!

 

[Mxndrnks]

Prior to spending the cash (unless you just want to for piece of mind), I would pull the hub flange and see if everything is still tight. As a part of my last repack job, I found the everything loose on the DS. Others have reported same findings.

 

[wcrbikemike]

Thanks for the reply. I just may do that. Does anyone know of a good how to for this? I am mechanically inclined and have built and maintained my own road race motorcycles for 15 years but never really dug into this truck yet. I do not mind doing it if I can find the time. It never hurts to learn new things.