Squeaking from left front

[Explorer Buff]

I know this question has been asked several times but a quick search of the archives didn't describe exactly what's happening with my explorer.

My Truck

2001 Explorer XLT 4x4 4dr, 4.0, 5spd Auto, 62k miles (If you need any more info on the vehicle let me know)

My problem

I get a squeak (It almost sounds like a Whoop) that is coming from what I believe to be my left front wheel/tire. This sound goes with the rate of speed I am traveling (Slower when going slow, faster when going fast). When I even touch the brakes the sound goes away, but comes back again the instant I let off the brakes. It used to be a lot louder in the wet and rain, but now it doesn't seem to matter. So if anyone has any ideas (Please don't tell me a wheel bearing, I had to do that with the Bronco II:thumbdwn: ) please post a response.

You guys are the best!

 

[daffy]

have you checked to see if the caliper is firmly attached?

It's very common for them to come loose.

 

[Turdle]

^^^check the caliper mounting bracket bolts, on inside of spindle.

 

[Explorer Buff]

Thanks for the advice guys, I'll let you know how things go as soon as I can get the wheel off (I'm almost positive it's never been removed and it's ON there).

 

[Explorer Buff]

^^^check the caliper mounting bracket bolts, on inside of spindle.

Ok so I tightened whatever bolts I thought you were referring to (on the back side of the caliper at the top and bottom, with no avail to the change in noise. If these are not the bolts you are referring to, could you please give me a better idea as to where they might be? Thanks a whole lot!

 

[xFatcatx]

I you still have the tire off check your pads. They can actually cause all types of sounds even if they look good from afar. Pull them out of the caliber and see if the back of the pads metal plating is warped at all. That was my problem, new pads solved it.

 

[Explorer Buff]

I you still have the tire off check your pads. They can actually cause all types of sounds even if they look good from afar. Pull them out of the caliber and see if the back of the pads metal plating is warped at all. That was my problem, new pads solved it.

The only reason I didn't think it was this is because it doesn't have any sounds at all while braking, just while driving. I'll check it later tonight when I pull it again. Time to mow the yard!

 

[xFatcatx]

I understand that. But if that peice is warped you do not need to have the breaks applied for a noise.

 

[gijoecam]

There is a brake pad rubbing, plain and simple. Touching the brakes applies more pressure to them which stops the squeak, but that's neither here nor there. You have a brake dragging. Check your caliper slide pins to make sure the caliper moves freely on them.

-Joe

 

[duke16]

There is a brake pad rubbing, plain and simple. Touching the brakes applies more pressure to them which stops the squeak, but that's neither here nor there. You have a brake dragging. Check your caliper slide pins to make sure the caliper moves freely on them.

-Joe

Sorry to resurrect, but I think I may have the same problem

Could you explain the caliper slide pins... I'm not very familiar with brakes.

 

[00XLS]

The slide pins are what your caliper bolts attached to. Their covered by a little rubber boot, you can remove them by pulling out. I had a similar problems and it turned out to be my slide pins were dry, no lube on them. A little grease, I used the brake specific type and I was go to go.

 

[Donner]

Same noise, different wheel...

Mine does exactly that, the right rear... I had the brakes done (rotors and all) not long before the squeak started. I'm going to try again to get back to the shop, but braking would make sense because it stops when they are applied. And yes, it went from a squeal to a whoop sound.

 

[Explorer Buff]

Mine turned out to be a warped rotor for what it's worth

 

[duke16]

I you still have the tire off check your pads. They can actually cause all types of sounds even if they look good from afar. Pull them out of the caliber and see if the back of the pads metal plating is warped at all. That was my problem, new pads solved it.

The back plate on my pads appears to be coming unglued. Could that cause the squeak?

I greased the slide pins, but the squeak is still there. I don't think my rotors are warped because when I do brake the truck doesn't shudder or anything.

 

[Explorer Buff]

The back plate on my pads appears to be coming unglued. Could that cause the squeak?

I greased the slide pins, but the squeak is still there. I don't think my rotors are warped because when I do brake the truck doesn't shudder or anything.

Neither did mine

 

[Donner]

Retorquing...

Spelling (?) I had the lug nuts re torqued on each wheel, they physically inspected the brake area on all 4 wheels and the squeal is gone...