Recently I noticed a dragging sound coming from the front of my ranger. I looked up possible causes for this and the most popular was either rock in between the brake or brake pads wearing down. I changed the brake pads and took it for a small drive and the noise is still there. Now, i will admit I did not change the rotors, so this could still be the issue. But other than that I can't think of what it could be. Its loud until you go above 45 mph, then quiets down. Any ideas?

 

Inner fender wells can get against a tire if mounts break loose. Dust shield mounts broke off maybe.

 

wheel bearings?

 

Yup, wheel bearings. Thanks guys.

 

Good you found the cause and reported back. For anyone else coming in, stuck calipers are common too and will require replacement. The pistons will get to where they wont retract freely and will cause the pads to drag. Seen it a few times.