front end vibration/rumble

[tperez715]

I have been reading all posts regarding the bearrings going and since this is my second Ex (used to have an 02XLT and now have an 04XLT) I know that is true but all the posts complain of noise while accelerating... our noise started off only when making hard turns (like pulling into a parkig spot) mostly to the right and has now become worse... noise is louder, vibration is stronger and is now noticeable when going straight but only when brakes are pressed or we are going very slowly

checked all brake components and they seem good... the rotor seems good too... so could it be the bearrings or should i focus on something else?

 

[Exp_Steve]

I have the same thing and I've had both bearings replaced. Methinks it's the 4wd engaging.

 

[tperez715]

but then why when braking?

 

[daveleeander]

Get your front bearings changed. Jack up the car and see which wheel has play in it. The garage can find it easy. You can drive 10k miles on a bad bearing, but it may eat up your spindle, and then you're in big bucks. Pay the $300.00 and get it changed, unless you have the tools and know how. I changed a few myself, and have had Ford garage and local good guy shop. None of them lasted any longer than the other (I put 9 on my 02 XLT with 286k miles). Just be sure they use the Timken bearing and go on.

D

 

[blueoval9erlifer]

im not saying your wheel bearings are not going out but i had basically the same symptoms, sounded like wheel bearings grinding when ever i pulled out of a parking space, taking off from a stop light, or slowing down. however when i checked them i could not find anything wrong. the only other symptom i had that you do not describe is that going down the highway whenever engine not pulling it felt like the rear of the vehicle would swerve. Did it if you tapped the brakes to cancel cruise control or going down a hill, even on flat a little bit. ended up being the rear toe links replaced them and all noise is gone and drives better than ever. 04 xlt 4.6

might want to check them before dropping a bunch on unnecasary parts

hope this helps

 

[tperez715]

our toe links were replaced in October and yes we did have the swaying feeling a few months ago but we had to change the rear hub assembly and the sway issue went away...

the noise is getting louder and vibration stronger... truly dont think it is the bearrings because it ONLY happens when braking... and not when you hit the brakes hard but when you are slowing to a stop like in traffic when you are basically riding the brakes....

any ideas on what else it could be in the front besides bearrings? my experience with them says that if they were the culprit it would be noticeable without the brakes being depressed...