Front end noise

[Jaystn62]

I just bought a 2004 Expedition about 5 days ago. Everything on vehicle has been great so far. This evening I drove around the bypass of the city I live in and after I got off the bypass pulled into the local Walmart parking lot. Driving slowly I noticed a random thump from what appears to be front end. It wasn't there before and vehicle still seems to drive great. After I left Walmart I did a little experimenting with different speeds and turning different ways. Only way I could get a consistent thump is to sway back and forth at low speed. Each time I switch direction I'd get the noise. Best I can compare it to was I had a sway bar bushing come loose on a vehicle once and made a similar sound. Weather is crappy here right now but still tried to look under it once I got home. Didn't find anything obvious. Actually front end looked clean in great shape appearance wise. Not even a cracked boot on a ball joint. Anyone ever have a similar experience or noise? Any input or advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[GAINMOB]

are the ball joints flat or are they nice and round? u have an 04 like me and I changed my ball joints last year...may control arm or something

 

[Jaystn62]

I have to say the ball joint boots look great. Almost like new. Like I said in OP the sound started suddenly. Guess only way to find out for sure is to take it and put it on a rack. Odd that wasn't there one moment then there the next. Wasn't like there was a build up to it.

 

[GAINMOB]

sway bar links?

 

[1955moose]

How many miles on your SUV? Is it 2 or 4 wheel drive? Best way to figure whats wrong, like you said you'll have to rack it or get it on stands. Lower ball joints do wear fast on original Ford units. Keep us posted what you find.


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[Jaystn62]

That's my thoughts but too cold to crawl under it now. I looked at them the other night but with no experience with the Expedition I can't really judge if they are bad. I need to get it on a lift and get a better visual. Hopefully this next weekend.

 

[1955moose]

You can check lower ball joints by putting your vehicle on stands, take a pry bar or 2x4 board under tire, rock the bar or board upwards, have an assistant check for any movement in ball joints. Tie rods can be checked by rocking wheel in and out, left to right.You can also check pitman arm, and idler arm this way. Good luck.


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