CV Axle or Wheel Bearing?

[boat]

Trying to diagnose what is really going on. This is on the red 94 mtx.

I am certain the suspension is tight and there is nothing loose.

Sometimes when slowing down to take a corner or to come to a stop, I hear this pop sound come from the driver side front

When turning right, I get this crunching sound from the left. Use to be every now and then, happening more frequently lately. Occasionally, I get it when turning left, then hear the sound on the left.

When backing up, I hear this wah, wah, wah, sound. Coming from the left.

I know, difficult to go off of "internet" sounds. But trying to diagnose this thing properly so I am not just throwing parts at it.

I suspect a driver side axle, but a wheel bearing also comes to mind.

How do I know which one it is? Are these typical of an axle failing or a wheel bearing, or both?

 

[VortecGT]

If ya have the 96+ brakes you WILL know if its a wheel bearing. The caliper bracket will rub on the wheel if the wheel bearing is even slightly failing. It sounds to me like a strut rod mount in the subframe as would cause a pop when turning. Try taking some hard corners and see if you hear a clicking that would be a CV.

 

[boat]

Nope, I have Mustang GT PBR's in the front. You mean the strut rod cup? Those have been welded in place by Ford, as that is a common issue on these.

I will try taking some hard corners.

I would say in the slowing down and hearing the pop sound, it is when I just take my foot off the gas, not even touching the brakes yet.

 

[rubydist]

my first indication of bad bearing was always grinding of rotor on caliper support bracket.

however, if you grab the tire at 12 o'clock and push/pull on it, you will be able to hear/feel if the bearing is bad.

 

[boat]

I did the push/pull on the driverside tire @ 12 o'clock to check the wheel bearing. Nice and tight, very little to no movement. Checked around the suspension and tierod end, most all was tight. Found the jam nut for the outer tie rod end to be loose. Not sure if this is the issue or not. Will report back.

 

[boat]

Went and drove it hard. Went to an empty parking lot and basically did figure 8's back and forth so load was put on both wheel bearings and axles, I did not hear one sound come from either side. Then later this evening, I take off out of a parking spot, turn right, I hear that crunching sound again. My bet is on the axle, but not sure. I will probably drive it until the sound becomes more pronounced, or it just fails altogether, then fix it. Nothing else really to do, otherwise, just throwing parts at it.