Annoying squeal/grinding from front end!
#1
Annoying squeal/grinding from front end!
I have a 97 F250 HD 351w 4X4 5 speed...
For quite a while now, the truck will make a very noticable grinding/squealing sound coming from somewhere under the front end. It sounds like a metal on metal grinding.
When I first start driving the truck, I never hear it, well after the truck/ brakes are warmed up, the noise will start up. It usually is brought on by applying the brakes, but it is not consistant enough for me to know 100% for sure that it is brake related. I changed my pads this weekend (all of which were cracked, btw). Now, the sound is worse! I also notice it when I have the wheels turned, especially in reverse. Every once in a while, I will even be driving straight without hitting the brakes and it will make the noise.
I also should mention that, in the past 6 months, I have re-packed my front wheel bearings. I honestly cannot remember it made the sound before then or not.
Any ideas???
For quite a while now, the truck will make a very noticable grinding/squealing sound coming from somewhere under the front end. It sounds like a metal on metal grinding.
When I first start driving the truck, I never hear it, well after the truck/ brakes are warmed up, the noise will start up. It usually is brought on by applying the brakes, but it is not consistant enough for me to know 100% for sure that it is brake related. I changed my pads this weekend (all of which were cracked, btw). Now, the sound is worse! I also notice it when I have the wheels turned, especially in reverse. Every once in a while, I will even be driving straight without hitting the brakes and it will make the noise.
I also should mention that, in the past 6 months, I have re-packed my front wheel bearings. I honestly cannot remember it made the sound before then or not.
Any ideas???
#2
Axle U-Joints?
Do you drive with hubs locked frequently? Could be junk U-joints in the front axle. No offense, but did you know what you were doing when you repacked the bearings (when setting the bearing tightness/preload there should be a tiny amount of end play, you don't want it cranked tight)? Did the brake rotors look OK? Jack up both sides of the front end and spin the wheels by hand with and without the hubs locked, see if theres any difference. Should spin rather freely, but some resistance.
Good Luck,
Mitch
Good Luck,
Mitch
#3
i agree jack it up and see if its one wheel making the noise...i suspect bearing failure, even if you repacked them a few months ago they could have still failed recently
u joints typically make a clunking noise before a grinding noise, but its still possible
the spindle bearings are frequently over looked, and quite often are the real problem, reach in the back of your axle where you can see the u joints and grab the shaft and look for play where the shaft disappears into the wheel assembly, thats whrere that bearing is, even new they have some play but you will know it if its bad or not
u joints typically make a clunking noise before a grinding noise, but its still possible
the spindle bearings are frequently over looked, and quite often are the real problem, reach in the back of your axle where you can see the u joints and grab the shaft and look for play where the shaft disappears into the wheel assembly, thats whrere that bearing is, even new they have some play but you will know it if its bad or not
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BuckeyeF250
Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Tires, & Wheels
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05-27-2008 09:18 AM