Vibration, now squeak, front wheel Expedition 116K

[Robert_Gift]

1999 Expedition, 4WD, 4.8L V-8, Medical Emergency Vehicle.
Left front wheel vibration and now slight squeak in time with rolling speed.
Coasting in neutral, vibration remains unchanged though engine RPM drops to idle. At walking-speed I can hear a small knock (maybe three for every 360 of the wheel).
I suspect U-joint or something in left front wheel.
Can I remove front wheel drive axle or anything for now? We do not need 4WD at this time of year.
We need to get back-up vehicle in service if Expedition is unavailable.
Do I take to Ford Dealer or other place?
We're all volunteers. If I can repair myself, I'll try.
Thank you very much,

Robert

 

[alreadygone]

Long distance diagnosis kinda risky, but my guess would be wheel brng. assy. Must be replaced as an assembly. NO can run with axle out,if it should be axle. Axles almost never go bad unless boot is busted. Will need to disassemble to make ablolute diagnose.

Bob

 

[JHZR2]

Given the nature of the vehicle, while your desire is heroic, get it done right the first time with OE parts for all to be correct.

Take it to the dealer or a trusted garage and have them do it easily on the lift.. Often putting a vehicle up on the lift will give near instant diagnosis to the issue... thats worth a LOT.

JMH

 

[Robert_Gift]

Thank you both.
I meant wheel driveshaft U-joint or something.
But now think it may be wheel bearing.
Will try to check it ASAP when another volunteer is available to use his vehicle.
Will report to you what it is.
Thanks,

 

[mechtech2]

Wheel bearing is usually one 'clunk' every other wheel rotation. I'm leaning towards u-joints.

 

[Robert_Gift]

Uh-oh.
Can I remove that wheel driveshaft for the time being, or is that a complicated anti-productive mess?
Is the U-joint inside the rubber boot I was able to notice?
(Haven't had chance or space to get a good look at anything.)(Ford guy says that drive shaft should not turn if not in 4WD.)
But I would think it turns unless the hubs unlock when not in 4WD.
Thanks,

 

[Robert_Gift]

Quote:

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Wheel bearing is usually one 'clunk' every other wheel rotation. I'm leaning towards u-joints.

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You are correct! Front drive shaft rear U-joint. I removed the front drive shaft and will replace the U-joint as I have time.
Better gas mileage now? Should I also replace the forward U-joint? Thank you,

 

[Junior]

Why is the front drive shaft turning when in 2 wheel drive? I have a 98 and 2000 F150 and I think they are the same as the Expeditions. The front drive shaft out of the transfer case should not turn while in 2WD. I think there is a disconnect in the front differential. Sounds like that is not disengaging.

(may be different if vehicle has all wheel drive. I don't have any experience with that.)