[RollinWOT]

My '98 Ranger Super XLT(2wd with the 3.0L Vulcan) seems to have a problem with ticking. It sounds like the ticking is coming from the front left wheel. It only ticks above 25 mph, and its a rhythmic tick-tick-tick-tick sound. I've put the truck in neutral and revved it and it didn't tick, so it's probably not in valvetrain or power/drivetrain, which leads me to beleive maybe some roller bearings in the wheel bearing is shot. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.

-RollinWOT

[Dominick]

Have you looked at the brake shield on the spindle.
sometimes they get bent and touch the rim.

[RollinWOT]

thanks dominick, but no, thats a great point, ill look into it, but if thats not the problem, anybody else out there feel free to speak up!

[clt2021]

Might be bearing going bad on that side. Take the tire and shake it, if you have wobble in and out on the tire, or you hear a clicking or clunking sound it's the most likely culprit.

[RollinWOT]

thanks clt2021, thats what i figured all along, but i will check into that asap, beccause damage is the last thing i want to happen to my ranger. if anybody else has advice, speak up! Thanks for your support everyone

[f150]

is it a tick or more of a grinding sound. my f150 had to get new bearings and when i drove it they would make a rythmic grinding but anyway hope this helped

[RollinWOT]

no, f150, its an actual tick, not a loud one, but just the tiniest little tick coming from the left front, but i havent taken a look yet, but ill take a look asap, thanks everyone

[Jonzo77]

do you have wheel covers/hubcaps?
anytime they aren't put on just perfectly, it will rub and make a ticking sound...

also, did you check the treads? there may just be some gravel in there, or even like a nail or screw, sometimes you have to be looking really close to see either of the latter...

[clt2021]

It does seem logical to look at the simple things first. Gotta stop coming onto this site when I'm really tired after work, what with the ability to think with a clear head and all.

[RollinWOT]

No, jonzo, actually one of my hubcaps was damaged so i replaced that with hopes that it would alleviate the problem, but to no avail. The hub itself looks fine, but I'm almost willing to put money on it that it's the wheel bearing. Thanks everyone!

[Jonzo77]

what about brakes? warped rotor?

[Canuck623]

If a rotor is warped it can move the brake pad back and forth and cause a rhythmic noise. Is the noise the same when you put your foot on the brake pedal? A bad tire also can cause that. A stone in the tread of a tire can also sound pretty bad as it clicks onto the pavement. Does it change when turning the wheel left and right while driving? Do you have any dents in the dust cap that might be making contact with the cotter pin inside? Does your chewing gum lose it's flavor on the bed post over night? LOL Sorry, couldn't stop myself.

[RollinWOT]

canuck623, the truck usually didnt see much daily driving, maybe 2-3 miles daily, so the rotors should be fine, yes the noise is the same, it just gets faster as the speed increases, and all 4 tires are relatively new, maybe 2k on them, and I've checked the treads for rocks, and there arent any. The sound doesnt change at all, it just goes away under 25mph, the dust cap looks fine, and honestly...gum gives me headaches HA, so thats a question better saved for antother day!

[trhaus]

that rythmic noise if your thinking brakes for the problem it could mean that your rotors are warped, in that case thou u should get a pulsing through your brake pedal. it may be very slight and they are know for warping. i just did rotors. pads. calipers. wheel bearing. seals and ball joints on my 92 and it cost me just under 400 bucks and except for the ball joints it was as easy as changing sparkplugs.

[RollinWOT]

I wouldnt know just by looking but ill have to do a test drive to see. thanks trhaus!

[Ashzo77]

seems pretty unanimous...

[RollinWOT]

indeed, well everyone thanks for the support and help! I'll let you guys know whats up as soon as i can.