Squeel that Sounds Like the Brake Pad Sensor But Isn't?

[rpr]

I've had a bad squeel from somewhere near the front end of my truck for a while. I didn't think it was the brakes since I just replaced them about 10 months ago. I had it in for a different service at the dealer and they mentioned that I did in fact need brakes badly.

OK, so I buy new front pads and new rotors (already had the old ones cut once). Well, after getting everything apart, I still had 50% of my pads left, and the pad sensor was not in contact with anything that would cause the squeel. The idiots at the dealer must have just assumed it was the brakes after hearing the squeel when they pulled it in the shop. I ended up doing the brakes anyway since I had everything apart and had already purchased the parts.

Now that everything is back together, I still have the squeel (as expected). The only other clues I have is that the squeel stops temporarily when braking, when accellerating hard, and when cornering sharply. I'm at a loss. What could cause this? Universal joints? How would I confirm this?

 

[Frisckey1]

Belt?

Have you checked to make sure your drivebelt is tight? When my drivebelt tensioner broke, mine squeeled for a little while before it broke...(didn't squeal very long before it broke though )

Just a suggestion...

 

[rpr]

Yep, that was the source of a different squeel. The tensioner/pulley assembly as well as the belt was replaced last month.

 

[rpr]

One more clue...the truck has 104,000 miles on it.

Wheel bearings???

 

[jobunn]

Is yours 4x4? The "all in one" bearings/hub are a culprit. Mine squeal like crazy sometimes and I've had them replaced once already at 30,000. A common problem. But the squeal has nothing to do with braking.

 

[dogfriend]

How much are the all in one wheel bearing/ABS sensor/hub for the 4wd ? I've heard that they are rather pricey, but I've had the good fortune of not needing to ask my friendly Ford parts counter person yet.

 

[jobunn]

I've heard $250 to $300. I may need to do this myself soon, as the squeal is back. Last time it was under warranty. I will check with fordpartsnetwork, but I don't know about the install.

 

[dogfriend]

$250 - 300 each? Ouch. Or is that for a set? (Still expensive at half the price)

 

[dogfriend]

Dead Link Removed
$208 each!
ow!!!

edit: link broken to fordpartsnetwork.com

 

[jobunn]

Ya that's it.

 

[dogfriend]

Note to any Ford engineer (or any other engineer or aspiring engineer) who may come across this thread:

Don't combine a maintenance item (front wheel bearing) which only costs $10-20 on any other vehicle with two other items which normally never would need replacement (front hub, tone ring for ABS). This makes complete assy cost 10x more ($200 vs. $20). This is not a good design because you have neglected serviceability in your quest to reduce part count. This may make the accountants happier, but will inevitably piss off thousands of customers who are doomed to spend 10x more on this repair.

 

[rpr]

OMG!!!

I do have 4x4. How do I figure out if it is the dreaded all in one bearing/sensor/hub assembly?

From the above posts, I assume it is not a serviceable assembly?

 

[dogfriend]

Originally posted by rpr
OMG!!!

I do have 4x4. How do I figure out if it is the dreaded all in one bearing/sensor/hub assembly?

From the above posts, I assume it is not a serviceable assembly?

Right, it has to be replaced as a complete assy. It is a sealed bearing, so the bearings are not designed to be serviced.

I haven't had this problem with mine, so I don't know if it is your problem, but it sounds like a likely cause for your squeal.

For $208, I would want to be absolutely sure. You could jack up the front and turn the wheels to see if they turn smoothly or if the bearings feel rough etc. I don't know if this is a definitive test though, especially if it only happens under certain loading, etc.

 

[Dave W.]

Had mine do that squeel 2 years ago, it was the factory front wheel seal on the drivers side. Had 24,000 mi. on it and was covered by warranty.

 

[X24]

I notice a squeel when driving slowly and quietly with my window down. Definately coming from the wheel. Its not very loud but I can hear it. Does that sound like the hub assy?

 

[mikefox]

Here is a link to an old post here referring to this issue:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=26201

I would like to mention that after a few months of my left hub/bearing assembly being replaced the noise came back. I still think it is the dust shield seal that I told the mechanic about. Others here have had that be the problem as well. I have just learned to live with it now.

 

[addkev]

Do a search on 'Dust Seals', I went through the same problem earlier this year, it is very common actually. It costs approx $100, I think mine were $108 installed from the Ford dealer.

Hopefully this helps, good luck.

Kevin

 

[Ex95XLT]

my truck was making some noises b4 my hub assembly went...maybe check that?

 

[jobunn]

The Haynes manual has a short but reasonable write-up on how to replace the hub/bearing assy.