Tapping front right tire, now clunking with noticeable lack of stability

Tiny
JOSHUA MICHAEL2
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 5.3L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 128,000 MILES
Truck is in good shape really good shape it's just unfortunately about that time where these parts are going to need replacements. That being said I had to replace the front right tie rod to get a sticker last week. As well as 2 new tires for the front. A day after I got those done I was driving along and had to brake suddenly (not aggressively) and I shortly after started to hear a tapping that I could hear while driving by things that reflected the sound. I thought it was weird but figured it was just my tires adjusting or I had a rock stuck in it or something. Well as I continued my trip home the sound was getting louder and was in sync with my acceleration/deceleration. I heard something metal ping off the the street while I was driving as well. I was the only one on the road so we were sure it came from my truck. So I have to take a couple side streets to get my house, so I take a few hard rights and lefts. I go to take my first turn which was a left and the clicking stopped but only when I turning hard left. When I took a right (the side the noise was coming from) the tapping turn into full-auto rapid fire. I made it home and let it sit in my driveway for 2 days while I did some investigating to at least narrow it down. I eliminated CV-Joint for the most part. Boots are still on and in good shape. Doesn't move when I shake it. Everything looks good around the tires but I haven't gone underneath yet to check the drive shaft/u-joints (potentially the bearing in the drive shaft) which I'm pretty confident it's one of those. What do you guys think? Do you think the people that changed the tie rod and tires messed something up? Kind of a coincidence its the tire/end that I had work done the day before and all of a sudden this is happening. Oh and there's a wobble now on that front right. And another random thing I noticed is that when I go in reverse there is no tapping. If you guys can piece all of that together I would be incredibly grateful, I wanted to be as detailed as possible.
Monday, June 29th, 2020 AT 5:59 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

I am trying to picture in my mind what they could have done to cause it, but am at a loss. Since it is speed related, confirm that the backing plate behind the brake rotor isn't hitting. Also, there was no reason to remove the brake caliper, but make sure nothing is loose there.

One last thought, if you are feeling a wobble, I suggest lifting that tire safely off the ground, place your hands at 3 and 9 o'clock and see if there is play. Also, do the same at 6 and 12 o'clock. One last thing, make sure the wheel is tight.

Let me know what you find. If you can record the sound and upload it for me to hear, it might be helpful.

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, June 29th, 2020 AT 9:58 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,602 POSTS
This is typical when the bearing hub goes out. here is a video showing the repair needed:

https://youtu.be/ZgiPRG6jffc

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Tuesday, June 30th, 2020 AT 11:58 AM

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