I have posted this in the 7.3 forum thought I would here too, I need some quick help. I have a problem, I am in the mountains in Colorado. On the way out I started hearing a squealing/squeaking sort of sound pulling a 10K lb trailer with my Excursion. I was going up the mountain today and it got worse the started grinding really bad, it sounded terrible. I stopped then kept going and I made it to the camp and parked it. No noise at idle. It seamed to get worse when I accelerated. The original squeaking noise sounded like morse code, not a steady squeak or squeal. I can't determine whether it's the front or rear. When it started grinding it sounded like the front. I just talked to a guy at the shop in town, he thought rock caught in rotor but the sound started before I hit the gravel. He also said wheel bearings which I suspect it is. The front end was a bit wobbly when I had to ride the brakes towing down the mountain pass. Didn't notice any other time when braking. The noise originally seemed to stop when I hit the brakes so I thought at first it was just the brakes dragging some but they are pretty new. FYI, the truck has 140K miles, never had to replace a bearing. I've replaced the belt, pulley and tensioner before I left home. I believe the wobble and noises indicate wheel bearings.

One odd thing, when I was looking under the truck, I couldn't find anything that was hot in the drive line but I did notice a small fuel leak before the fuel pump. I have re-done the fuel system and just have rubber hose before the pump. I also have a lifter pump. At any rate the fuel pump was a bit hot, don't know if that is normal or not. Would a fuel pump make this noise? It just seems odd that it just started. Probably not it but thought I'd check.

I have an injured back so I can't jack it up and trouble shoot this one or work on it myself. I am taking it to the shop tomorrow. If it's wheel bearings, would driving cause any further damage? I need to know whether to get it towed or drive down? It's about 9 miles to town. Sorry about the rambling post but I am in a hurry and need quick advice, I have to head back to camp soon. Luckily the wife rented a car so I have a way to town and someone to follow if I drive. If anyone has advice I would appreciate it!

Thanks!
Steve