2001 F150 front suspension loose
04-05-2011, 05:41 PM
#1
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2001 F150 front suspension loose
I have an 2001 F150 4x4 with 114,000 miles on it. Recently I started to notice that my front suspension feels "loose" while driving. This was confirmed by a friend who noticed that when I turn on mildly rough terrain (dirt road) my front tires shake back and forth. I know enough about cars that this should not happen. It should be nice and smooth. I have also noticed that my truck has a jarring bounce in the front when even small bumbs are hit. I am pretty sure that I need new shocks in the front but don't know how shocks would cause my wheels to shake and to have JARRING bounce over bumps. I have inspected all the bolts and nuts as well as checked for any loose parts in the suspension. I could not see any problems. Any suggestions on where to start with this one or any causes of such symptoms?
04-05-2011, 05:57 PM
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if you jack up the car, and can wiggle the tire back/forth left to right with the lug nuts tightened all the way, it's probably a bad wheel bearing. You can usually hear a "whine" at highway speeds with a bad wheel bearing. If you can move the tire up and down, then it's probably a bad ball joint.
08-05-2011, 09:44 AM
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i just brought an 01 f-150 2 days ago and have the same problem i know i need ball joints but theres a whine on the drivers side front tire thought it was the hum of the all terrains but it goes away at hiway speeds 45 and above wondering how u made out with your problem and if u have any sugestions for me thanks
08-06-2011, 06:59 PM
#5
you need to jack the wheels up one by one under the control arm and check the ball joints and other front end steering necessities. Anything that wiggles is bad and you need to replace it. If you can physically see it moving when driving then it's probably unsafe to be driving.
11-11-2011, 09:36 PM
#7
jack up the front an grab the upper ball joint while turning the wheel an if it's smooth on the ball joint ur bearings r fine. If u feel any roughness or vibrations the bearing is bad. Hope this helps!
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11-11-2011, 09:58 PM
#8
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Originally Posted by Travyforyou
jack up the front an grab the upper ball joint while turning the wheel an if it's smooth on the ball joint ur bearings r fine. If u feel any roughness or vibrations the bearing is bad. Hope this helps!
