Intermittent "Rub" Noise?

[03ExploKRV]

I've noticed twice now a sort of "rubbing" noise/vibration coming from my 2003 Explo V6, 4x4. This only seems to happen after driving the truck for a long distance.

The first time it happened, my niece felt it in the rear of the vehicle and asked "what was that..." I did not hear it any longer that evening. It happened while getting back on the gas, at low speed, while turning right.

The second time this happened was last Friday. It felt like it was coming from the left front wheel. It felt as though the tire was rubbing on something???

I'm thinking maybe left front wheel bearing issues? The truck shifts and runs fine 99.9% of the time. This just started a few weeks ago and as you can see from above, is very intermittent.

Anyone have any ideas what to check or how to check what could be bad? Could u-joints bad also cause this type of situation/feeling? All four tires are the same also in case someone was going to bring that up.

Thanks, guys, in advance!

Oh, another thing. Can anyone tell me a cheap way (not going to dealer) to figure out what backup sensor might be bad? I was going to tear down the rear bumper and just start replacing the sensors but if I could find the exact one that's bad it might be better on the nerves! Is it difficult removing the bumper cover on the rear???

[kifferarri]

I'm having a similar noise problem, mine is a little more consistant tho. I just bought the truck (02 XLT 4x4), and figured it had been the rear diff clutches chattering, but after changing the fluid (75w140 and ford friction modifier) I still have a rubbing noise, only when turning and accelerating after a stop... and the harder i listen, the more I'm convinced it is the front...

[TimB]

I had a similiar noise, it was the left front hub. There is a 16 page sticky write-up on how to replace them.