Looking for anyone who may have encountered the following problem:

I have a 1990 F150 4.9l 5-speed M5ODR2 2-wheel drive.

Recently, I had started hearing a light clunking from the driver front wheel. Mostly at low speeds going over light bumps in parking lots.

Last week, I had 4 new tires put on my truck. Since then the clunking has gotten much worse. I don't notice it first thing in the morning, but rather after driving it for bout 10 minutes.

I had 3 different mechanics look at the front end (ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, break pads, radial arm bushings) to no avail.

At this point I'm questioning if it is the left front wheel.... or something else that just sounds like it's coming from there.

I'm concerned that this is a safety issue more than anything, since I still drive the truck 100 miles a day on highway.

Any suggestions ? ? ?

 

The mechanics didn't think it was any of the tie rods, ball joint or bushings?

 

Blown shock absorber maybe? Or loose coil spring retainer? Just ideas

 

Anyone mention CV joint?????

 

Since his truck doesn't have any, no...

 

Oh ok my bad.

 

Thanks for all the input so far......

I forgot to mention that I did replace all the shocks, didn't take care of the problem. So I'm reluctant to throw anymore parts at it blindly.

I'm not familar with a lose coil spring retainer... how is the best way to check that?

It seems that this problem really started when I had the new tires put on my truck. To me, the only thing that was done is that the truck was put on a lift. This would extend all of the suspension parts. Maybe, something on the verge of failing, actually helped it along.

Getting back to the noise.... it happens while driving on smooth pavement, cause all pavement has some minor bumps in it. It is NOT more pronounced hitting larger bumps. I hear it both with the brake applied and without the brake applied.

I also hear it when i come to a stop and release the brakes. Also, cruising at bout 30 mph, take foot off accelerator: clunk.... apply power again: clunk.

Hope some of this makes sense....

 

How about the wheel joints?

 

well assuming the front suspension is good....I'm think'n maybe possibly

- engine or tranny mounts....
- possibly bad u-joints in drive line...
- do you have a carrier bearing on your drive shaft? if so, check that...

that's all i got,
good luck

 

Thanks everyone so far.... to recap:

Checked the following:
ball joints
tie rod ends
wheel bearings
brake pads
shocks (replaced)
u-joints

Have the following on my to do list:
coil spring retainer - How would I check?
engine and transmission mounts
carrier bearing on the driveshaft - Not familiar with that. What is it?

Wish me luck....