can a front u joint cause wheel wobble - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

steinlef250 · 03-31-2008, 14:21

My dad has a 2001 f250 4 wheel drive and in a 20 min drive a quiet squeak in the front left went to a loud squeak and grinding and violent popping. the camber on the wheel can move either way about 8 degrees is this from a badly destroyed u joint bearings or both i am an expeirenced mechanic but do not know much about 4 wheel drive trucks. the reason i think it is a u joint issue is because the sound is not muffled like a bearing would be in a case but can a u joint cause the wheel to move while bolted on any help thoughts or sugestions would be much appreciated

DeeC · 04-01-2008, 16:14

I think your problem may be a failure of the 4wd hub. Mine failed and did give lots of noises, and a wobble. Svc Mgr said if left too long, hub can separate from spindle. At one time, repair required replacement of entire hub unit. I do not know if that has changed (rebuild kits or rebuilt hub)