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?

 

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?

 

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

 

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?

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

If there's no play in the wheel bearing hub assembly you can try putting some grease into the bearings through the ABS sensor hole. Remove the ABS sensor, careful as it will most likely be difficult to remove and will most likely break.