Front wheel shake/wobble

[RichardMA]

I have a 2002 EB 4WD Expedition that has quickly developed a problem with the front right wheel. About two days ago I noticed an intermittent light wobble while travelling approx. 34-40 mph. When I slowed it would stop. Starting last night, whenever I would turn the wheel at very slow speeds, especially to the right, I would hear a bang/clunk/popping sound. Sharp turn would be more pronounced than gentle curves. This would happen when turning into a parking lot for instance. Today, the car is no longer drivable as the wheel now goes into a bad wobble as soon as you go over 30 mph. It is not constant, but happens enough and badly enough that it feels like the wheel is ready to come off. I have changed the tie rods and sway bar links in the past but am not too experienced with front ends otherwise. I have checked both of those and they appear fine, at least they are intact. I am hoping to get some suggestions on what I could check next, what would the likely problem be. I appreciate any suggestions.

 

[ELVATO]

If you jack the front up, do the tires have any sort of motion when you shake them (not sure if that makes sense. Essentially, you want to make sure there is no play in the wheel.

 

[walnuts4x4]

usually if you jack up a tire you can feel for play.... up and down means one thing and side to side is another.... cant remember now but maybe someone else can chime in...

 

[walnuts4x4]

http://www.ehow.com/how_5491346_check-wheel-bearings.html

 

[ericnyce]

I thought mine was the front bearing. Ended up being the rear. Long story short... Jack up the back and leave E brake off when u check for any play haha. My expensive lesson in wheel bearing assessment

 

[slim]

Hey Rich, my 2000 awd is doing the exact same thing you have described. Have you solved the problem? I just replaced the wheel bearing and upper ball joint, both were worn out. However, i still have the bang and cluncking while turning at slow speeds.

It is like when making a turn and when one tire turn faster than the other the drive train binds up until somthing pops.

Thanks slim