1990 Ford Bronco

KINGOFC1UBS

MEMBER
1990 FORD BRONCO
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
93,000 MILES

I've owned the Bronco for 3 months now, and this has happened 5-6 times now. Every once in a while, when i'm slowing down, I hear a grinding/grating noise from the front end (it sounds like its the front axle). While i'm moving the last few feet, and applying the brakes, theres a violent THUMPTHUMPTHUMP (accompanied with that same grinding) that I feel through the entire truck from the front end. This usually happens a couple of times during my trip, then quits for a few weeks. Yesterday I checked the gear oil. I've changed gear oil before, and I thought it was supposed to look and feel kinda like tar. This stuff looked like 10w-30. So whats up? Is something out of alignment? Has my front axle gone bad? Or is it just the gear oil?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

The gear lube is very heavy, so that may be why it felt that way. It should be a golden color, so if it is dirty, you should service it. As far as the noise, check to make sure the axle joints are tight and not bad. Also, make sure the front brakes are good and there is no play in the axle bearings.