Slight rocking/thumping in front end, checked everything, going insane

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I need your help y'all.

When driving at slower speeds (5-40mph) the front end of the truck thumps at the same speed as the wheels turn. At the same time, it rocks backward and forward very slightly. I would describe it as the right side of the truck moves forward, then the left side of the truck moves forward, so it creates a light rocking motion.

To get a better idea of what I mean, put both hands in front of you and make a rowing motion in sequence. Then set one of those hands out of sequence. This is what it feels like to ride in my truck.

Lastly, and this is the weird part, the slightest amount of pressure on the brake makes the wobble/rock/thump noise go away ENTIRELY. I barely press the break and its smooth.

I took it to a mechanic and brake specialist and he looked over it for two hours and took it on multiple test rides, and could not find any problems.

What is going on here?

I just had 4 new tires put on, so it's not tire separation. (I had the problem before and after the new tires)
Mechanic said the CV joints are tight
Mechanic said wheel bearings are fine
Mechanic said the brake pads are great, calipers are great, rotors are great
Mechanic said everything looks fine and he thinks its safe to drive

Someone please help. I'm going on a 1,000 mile road trip in three days and I want to get this fixed before then.
 

MADDOG

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Sounds like a hub or axle issue but without touching the truck that would just be a guess.
 
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Sounds like a hub or axle issue but without touching the truck that would just be a guess.

Can applied brakes stop axle noise? This crossed my mind until I remembered that the brakes make the noise stop.
 

MADDOG

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Yeah, if the axle or hub are loose it would bring it into alignment for a short time.
 
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Yeah, if the axle or hub are loose it would bring it into alignment for a short time.

I'm about to go out and check it. What should I look for? Do I look for play in the CV axle?
 

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I'm about to go out and check it. What should I look for? Do I look for play in the CV axle?



Can u post up some pics with the wheels off ? Possibly a video turning the hubs? Is your truck 2 or 4wd?


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Any suspension modifications or all stock?


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Truck is 2WD. Suspension is all stock. I'm fairly new to dealing with drivetrain issues, I've only ever replaced engine parts. I could take the wheel off but I wouldn't know what to take a video of to show what you need.
 

12sportmc

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If you look on the back side of the hub there should be 3 bolts that actually mount the hub/bearing assembly. Like Maddog said, if these are loose they can cause your issues.


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I'll give it a go tomorrow when the sun comes back out. I don't have a garage or outdoor lights. Thanks for your help so far
 

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No problem. Good luck [emoji106]


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If you look on the back side of the hub there should be 3 bolts that actually mount the hub/bearing assembly. Like Maddog said, if these are loose they can cause your issues.


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Just to clarify, were you referring to the three 18mm bolts on the backside of the hub, right next to where the CV axle connects to the hub?

hub.png
 

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Just to clarify, were you referring to the three 18mm bolts on the backside of the hub, right next to where the CV axle connects to the hub?



hub.png



Yes those are them. I see you pulled it apart up front. If you have someone that can assist you it would be good to try and recreate the symptoms. Put the hubs back together and spin them with your hand. Look for anything out of round. Also, while it's spinning have your helper press the brakes so you can see if anything is flexing or binding as pressure is applied. If you find nothing unusual up front repeat with the back tires off the ground . Sometimes vibrations and jerks can be felt in what seems like the front of the truck but are actually reverberating through your driveline. If your truck has a 2 piece driveshaft it is also worth checking the swing bearing for damage.


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Yes those are them. I see you pulled it apart up front. If you have someone that can assist you it would be good to try and recreate the symptoms. Put the hubs back together and spin them with your hand. Look for anything out of round. Also, while it's spinning have your helper press the brakes so you can see if anything is flexing or binding as pressure is applied. If you find nothing unusual up front repeat with the back tires off the ground . Sometimes vibrations and jerks can be felt in what seems like the front of the truck but are actually reverberating through your driveline. If your truck has a 2 piece driveshaft it is also worth checking the swing bearing for damage.


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Ok, good advice. I'll see what I can find and post back
 
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Thought I would report back for future readers.

Turns out I had two problems that were compounding on each other.

The biggest problem was a failing wheel bearing on front right wheel. Got that fixed.

The second problem is aging brake parts on front right wheel. Opted not to fix it yet, because its all holding up fine.
 

12sportmc

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Glad you got it figured out. Pretty crappy your mechanic told you the bearings were good. At least they are super easy to replace.


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