The clanking is coming from the left front hub. HUGE up and down play in the axle shaft. I already know what this is from my OTHER truck - the knuckle needle bearing is probably nonexistent, so the axle is bouncing up and down in the knuckle. Not good. I'll be lucky if I can get away with a bearing alone, and not have to go source a knuckle, and/or another half shaft. BTW (and I have ZERO AFFILIATION with any retailer) - this particular bearing is a tricky one to identify. It is NOT the inner wheel bearing (that's a cone style bearing). This bearing is a small cylindrical needle roller bearing that the axle slides through as it goes through the knuckle. It's pressed from the INSIDE of the knuckle. The factory service manual does a VERY poor job of describing this assembly, and the pictures of the front hub DO NOT INCLUDE THIS BEARING.
NAPA carries it - or can get it. Good luck at any of the other major parts stores - because if it doesn't show up in their computer, most of those guys don't know how (or don't want to) use a catalog. At least that has been my experience with AZ and O'R
I haven't found any one else commenting on this bearing ANYWHERE - and I've had to replace one TWICE now... What's the scoop guys? Any of you had this problem too?
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