2004 Ford Explorer, RWD, 143k miles.
I had the front end up this weekend and always grab the wheels and tug on them and spin them when I do. You know, checking for anything out of the ordinary. My left front had a slight bit of clunking when I pushed/pulled; hands at 12:00 and 6:00. I could not detect anything with either ball joint. It's hard to tell if it happens with hands at 3:00 and 9:00, because the steering moves a little bit.
Apparently, these vehicles are "known" to have front hub/bearing issues. So, I guess I was leaning towards that being the issue. Near as I can tell, they are original.
But any time I have ever had a bad front bearing (which has really only been a couple of times), there was a growling noise and/or I could feel a vibration in my feet on the floor. I don't have any of that now.
Is it possible to have a bad, loose wheel bearing with no other symptoms?
Secondarily, I'm nervous to buy one; after reading posts on here. It seems like a complete roll of the dice if you are going to get a good one or junk.
After a little checking, I was thinking of getting a SKF from Napa.
I had the front end up this weekend and always grab the wheels and tug on them and spin them when I do. You know, checking for anything out of the ordinary. My left front had a slight bit of clunking when I pushed/pulled; hands at 12:00 and 6:00. I could not detect anything with either ball joint. It's hard to tell if it happens with hands at 3:00 and 9:00, because the steering moves a little bit.
Apparently, these vehicles are "known" to have front hub/bearing issues. So, I guess I was leaning towards that being the issue. Near as I can tell, they are original.
But any time I have ever had a bad front bearing (which has really only been a couple of times), there was a growling noise and/or I could feel a vibration in my feet on the floor. I don't have any of that now.
Is it possible to have a bad, loose wheel bearing with no other symptoms?
Secondarily, I'm nervous to buy one; after reading posts on here. It seems like a complete roll of the dice if you are going to get a good one or junk.
After a little checking, I was thinking of getting a SKF from Napa.