Left front wheel noise?

[jeff4912]

When braking in a light to medium manner, I can hear a rubbing noise on the left front wheel. I checked the rotor and pads and so did Les Schwab tire center and found nothing wrong with the brakes.

Is it possible that a wheel bearing can make that rubbing noise only when braking if it is starting to fail? No wiggling in the tire when testing for bearing slop.

Just had the right bearing changed because it failed.

2003 Explorer 4x4 137,000miles

 

[jeff4912]

Do I have to remove the drive axle shaft out of the left front wheel hub to replace the hub/bearing assembly?

Or can I work around it?

 

[HiImBrian]

Do I have to remove the drive axle shaft out of the left front wheel hub to replace the hub/bearing assembly? Or can I work around it?

Yes you have to remove the front axle. The new hub assembly is all one big sealed unit.

Here is mine from when I replaced my front drivers side hub.
Old and new:

 

[jeff4912]

Well, went to a different Les Schwab Tire Center and they found the lower inside caliper slide pin was stuck and causing brake pad drag on the rotor.

Greased pin and dragging noise is gone.