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Thumping while making left turns

Tiny
WSKATE38
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER
  • 4.0L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 112,000 MILES
I bought a vehicle with a front end thumping noise seemingly from the front driver wheel. While moving I can hear and feel a fairly violent thumping that increases and decreases with speed, when taking right bends little to no noise. It drives well, no steering shakes or anything like that. So far I replaced wheel bearing and hub, CV axle and seal, upper and lower ball joints and had no change. Any recommendations would be much appreciated.

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Tuesday, July 13th, 2021 AT 7:18 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,179 POSTS
If it lessens when you turn right, the problem is likely on the right side. Is that the side that everything was replaced? Have you checked the tires for shifted belts or uneven wear? Take a look through this link:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-car-tires-work

Also, do you feel the thumping more in the steering wheel or the seat/floor of the vehicle?

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, July 13th, 2021 AT 10:12 PM
Tiny
WSKATE38
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  • 7 POSTS
I replaced everything listed on the left side (driver side). I rotated tires and had no change. I feel it pretty evenly through wheel and floor and it is also very audible.
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Wednesday, July 14th, 2021 AT 6:46 PM
Tiny
WSKATE38
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  • 7 POSTS
It feels like it is right under my feet.
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Wednesday, July 14th, 2021 AT 6:47 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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I feel the problem is on the right side. When you turn right, the weight distribution changes on the suspension and drive axles, bearings, and so on. Turning right relieves weight from the right side and places it on the left. If the noise goes away when turning right, it's likely on that side because there is less weight on the right side during a right turn.

Does that make sense? LOL, I'm trying to explain but don't know if it is making sense.

Is the noise loud enough for you to record with your phone and upload for me to hear?

Let me know. Also, let me know if there is a humming sound that accompanies the thumping.

Take care,

Joe
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Wednesday, July 14th, 2021 AT 7:59 PM
Tiny
WSKATE38
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  • 7 POSTS
Yeah, that makes a lot of sensor. The only reason I swapped parts on the left side is just because that's where the noise appears to be coming from. I have a recording I can upload it may not be the best of quality but it should give you an idea of what I am hearing.
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Thursday, July 15th, 2021 AT 7:59 AM
Tiny
WSKATE38
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  • 7 POSTS
It is a brief recording. I had my phone against the wheel while turning left into a parking lot to try to capture the noise. Excuse the exhaust and radio.
Video (Click to make bigger)
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Thursday, July 15th, 2021 AT 8:03 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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I believe I heard it when you let off the throttle. Please understand that it's difficult to be sure from a video, but if the tires have no flat spots and are worn evenly, I think it is related to the hub bearing. Does it get more pronounced if you turn left? Have you lifted the right front up to inspect the bearing for play?

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, July 15th, 2021 AT 9:11 PM
Tiny
WSKATE38
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I understand. Yes, that was the first thing I checked for. I put it on a family members lift and they recommended I replaced the parts I listed on the driver side. The right side bearing has absolutely no play at all and neither did the left. That's what's making me go nuts (lol) I can't find play. The faster you go and the more you turn left both effect the intensity of the noise. Another thing, the noise stops when the wheel is centered, anything left of center the noise clearly comes in to play.
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Friday, July 16th, 2021 AT 5:23 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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I can't guarantee it, but I feel the right bearing is bad. If there are no tires issues, the brakes are good, and the sound changes with speed and turning, that is the most likely issue. Also, although there isn't play (which makes it more obvious), the bearing can be bad.

If you have access to a lift, it really isn't too difficult of a job. It simply requires a few tools and a little muscle. LOL

If you look at the attachments below, they provide the directions specific to your vehicle for replacement. Hopefully, they will help.

Take care and let me know if this helps. Also, let me know if this fixes the issue. I'm really interested in knowing.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Friday, July 16th, 2021 AT 8:01 PM
Tiny
WSKATE38
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Will do. Thank you for your time.
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Saturday, July 17th, 2021 AT 6:33 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

You are very welcome. I hope this takes care of the noise for you. I look forward to hearing from you.

Take care,

Joe
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Saturday, July 17th, 2021 AT 8:44 PM
Tiny
XIHOSTILITY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Mine sounds identical to that I turn left and I hear it and feel it right under me I replaced the right-side wheel bearing and no change the cv joint looks perfect on the right side.
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Sunday, November 13th, 2022 AT 11:10 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

How were the CV joints inspected? Also, have you checked suspension parts such as ball joints and control arm bushings?

Unfortunately, the prior person didn't respond back with an answer.

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, November 14th, 2022 AT 6:28 PM

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