Front wheel popping

[jhortonb]

A few months ago, noticed a popping in the front-end on the passenger side of my 78' FJ40. I tightened the wheel nut and made sure the wheel didn't have any play.

Can someone take a look at this video and tell me what might be wrong.

http://www.greenberry.net/fj40.WMV

jb

 

[fsusteve]

That looked kinda perverted, but anyways when you say "wheel nut" are you talking about the two nuts that adjust the wheel bearings?

 

[jhortonb]

yes.

 

[fsusteve]

Have you repacked the bearings or checked them? They can wear out.

 

[fsusteve]

Actually just rewatched the video, possibly could be a birfield issue although the slop isn't that bad, compared to mine anyways. Does it pop all the time or only when the hubs are locked?

 

[jhortonb]

I really don't know how to check the bearings. I took them out and I am taking them to a mechanic friend of mine tomorrow to see what he thinks.

It only pops once after a stop. It is not continuous and doesn't happen all the time. I quit driving it after it started popping. If it is a birfield issue, is that a big deal? I am going to finish taking the brakes and rotor off tomorrow. Is there something I can check to see if it is a birfield issue?

I have attached a picture of the bearing.

 

[fsusteve]

Doesn't look too bad, no pitting. To check the birf you're gonna have to get into the knuckle, no biggie but a messy job. What type of springs (suspension) do you have on there, did you check the ubolts and bushings?

 

[tucker74]

If it's a birf issue you should only hear it when the 4WD is engaged (birfs spinning) - and even then, usually just when turning. We'd also need to see your bearing races to better judge if they are worn - cant usually tell from bearing unless it's missing rollers.

Good Luck!

Tucker

 

[jhortonb]

I just replaced the wheel bearings and the problem still exists in 4wd and 2wd. It seems to happen when I take off from a stop and during a right turn. (The popping sound is coming from the passenger side wheel).

I have a 3" suspension lift but I am not sure what brand. The U bolts and bushings don't show any obvious problems but I really don't know how to check them either.

Is there a possiblity that it could be in the shocks? If so, how can I check it to make sure?

 

[fsusteve]

Take a good look at your bushings and spring pack on that side. I don't think it would be a shock issue. Maybe have someone slowly drive forward as you watch from the side.