Front End Howl

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Jul 20, 2015 | 07:38 AM

nygiants4ever

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Front End Howl

The used 2004 F-350 I bought has developed a driver’s side front end howl between 45 and 60 mph over the last 1000 miles. I tried all the standard stuff, rebalanced tires, rotated tires, put on a set of tires from a friend’s F-350, replaced wheel bearings, replaced ball joints and nothing has worked. Anyone else experience this and most importantly figured out how the hell to fix it?

Jul 20, 2015 | 07:52 AM

thomabb

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Well that is a classic symptom of front end wheel bearings, but you say you already replaced them. Did you change the assembly? Are you sure the hub is disengaged?

Jul 20, 2015 | 08:17 AM

nygiants4ever

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Hub is disengaged but haven't replaced assembly yet. Damn!

Jul 20, 2015 | 08:44 AM

thomabb

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That howling noise from 45-55 mph is an accurate description of the non-serviceable wheel bearing going out. Easiest way to fix it is replacing the wheel hub assembly. Do you have play in the hub?

Jul 20, 2015 | 01:20 PM

nygiants4ever

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no play in the hub, seems tight. Though its a 2004 it only has 91000 miles on it.

Jul 20, 2015 | 02:22 PM

thomabb

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Well I would never advocate throwing parts at a problem. If there is no noticeable difference in play and no heat buildup, I would look elsewhere. It could be just the beginning of the end for the hub, so keep an eye on it.

Jul 23, 2015 | 06:08 AM

nygiants4ever

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Thanks, I did read on another Ford blog that someone else had the same problem and randomly changed the caliper and the problem went away. Not sure I'm swallowing that one.