Front wheel noise?

[cpumatt]

This morning I hop into my explorer and notice a noise coming from (I think) the front left wheel. It almost sounds like the tire is rubbing up against something (I have good clearance though), or it makes a noise as if one part of the tire is sticking to the black top and then coming unstuck. Like a *stick* *stick* *stick* noise. It is proportional to speed. Any thoughts?

EDIT: My tires are in very good condition, I recently got an alignment, and the pressure is up to par.

 

[chefduane]

Just off the cuff... sounds like left front CV axle going bad to me.

 

[Flash]

Probably what chefduane said, or a rock stuck in the tread.

 

[cpumatt]

Just off the cuff... sounds like left front CV axle going bad to me.

Went to Belle Tire and they were too busy to check. It seems to have died down in sound though. How much would a CV axle be to replace? Would a guy with a socket set be able to do it himself?

 

[ThreeJs]

I would have a look at the wheel bearings also. They can tick also.

 

[chefduane]

Went to Belle Tire and they were too busy to check. It seems to have died down in sound though. How much would a CV axle be to replace? Would a guy with a socket set be able to do it himself?

CV axles can be had for $80-$100 depending upon manufacturer. You might be able to find a L&R set for $150 or so. I know 1AAuto sells sets as does RA.
You might need a few other tools than just a socket set since as long as your tearing stuff apart you might want to do the hubs while you're at it. That would require a 32mm deep socket (IIRC) and a torque wrench for the hub nut. It also depends upon your level of confidence and expertise. Utoob is a good resource for video walkthrough's and this site is an invaluable tool for info. Just do a search for CV Axle repair/replace. Hey, I am a chef and have done a lot of stuff including hubs, CV's, inner/outer tie rods, brakes, shocks, etc, all from the stuff I learned here!

PS: Michigan, eh? UP'er or troll?

 

[cpumatt]

^ Downriver area if you know the area! Southeastern

I fixed the problem. It turned out to be some rusted off giant piece of what looked like a backing to something lodged up in there. I found it when I was checking my CV axle for rips in the rubber!

 

[chefduane]

Probably the backing plate to the brake rotor. AKA dust shield. Glad it turned out to be something simple, but I would replace it fairly soon. JY item I suspect or maybe you could find one at a parts house.