Front Wheel Bearings, sticking calipers

Redfish · 05-03-2011, 09:03 PM

My 2002 EXT has a vibration in the steering column that you feel when turning left or right at slow speeds. I have thought that the problem might be that the brake calipers were not releasing which would cause the the vibration in the column. There is no vibration at when driving normal 15-whatever speeds. I replaced the rotors and brake pads 6 months ago. There is no unusual wear or scaring on the rotors from sticking calipers that I can see or feel. They look brand new.
I have not pulled the hubs off to check the bearings because there is very little heat coming off the wheels after driving which would indicate bad bearings. If you grab the tires and try to shake them to see if there is any play in the wheel they are rock solid.
I have also tried to have the front end aligned twice by two good shops. The XLT still pulls slightly to the right. I am the second owner of this vehicle. It has never been wrecked. The frame is straight as an arrow.

Thanks in advance for any help you may have.

05-03-2011, 09:03 PM	#1
Redfish Wannabe Elite Explorer Hampton, VA 2002 XLT 4X4 Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 12 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Front Wheel Bearings, sticking calipers My 2002 EXT has a vibration in the steering column that you feel when turning left or right at slow speeds. I have thought that the problem might be that the brake calipers were not releasing which would cause the the vibration in the column. There is no vibration at when driving normal 15-whatever speeds. I replaced the rotors and brake pads 6 months ago. There is no unusual wear or scaring on the rotors from sticking calipers that I can see or feel. They look brand new. I have not pulled the hubs off to check the bearings because there is very little heat coming off the wheels after driving which would indicate bad bearings. If you grab the tires and try to shake them to see if there is any play in the wheel they are rock solid. I have also tried to have the front end aligned twice by two good shops. The XLT still pulls slightly to the right. I am the second owner of this vehicle. It has never been wrecked. The frame is straight as an arrow. Thanks in advance for any help you may have.