Hi all! I am having a problem with what I believe is the ESOF front hubs on my '05 F350. I took it in to my dealer once a couple months ago after hearing what sounded like the front brakes grinding when I came to a stop. But I would only hear it at really low speeds, like creeping in traffic, or coming to a stop. Probably below 7 or 8 mph. Of course when I took it in, they couldn't reproduce the noise (do they not troubleshoot anything anymore?!). But they did find that the pass. side hub was leaking and replaced the complete auto-hub, on that side only. Now a couple months later, I hear the slow speed grinding again (it sounds like the hubs are trying to engage) and now I am hearing a slight whistling noise that does not go away when I come to a stop. So that can't be coming from brake pads. Again, my dealer said they couldn't reproduce the grinding, but did hear the whistle for a few seconds. The mechanic said "Well Ford doesn't want us replacing parts just for the heck of it", when I asked if they were going to replace the drivers side hub. Could the whistling be connected to the vacuum that operates the ESOF hubs? Should I drop the issue until it really does break, or take it to another dealer and start fresh? Any suggestions are appreciated. Sorry so long.
-Scott

 

Ask them if they greased the needle bearings the support the axle stub inside the wheel bearing.
Common problem is the factory is stingy on the grease for these bearings.
I assume its the Dana factory because the front drive axle is pre assembled at the their factory not ford.
Could still be brakes though.
Rich

 

Thanks FortyFords! I will ask them when I check on it today. I appreciate the advice.

-Scott

 

Listen to Rich

here's a test for the needle bearing: Manually lock the hubs. If the noise is gone, it's 99% probable that the needle bearing is gone.

Be glad it's under warranty (I hope!) ... Ford replaces the entire wheel bearing as a unit, and if the axle is even slightly screwed up, the outer axle stub needs to be replaced too (and u-joint, seals, etc. etc).

 

On my 2006 F250 2WD with only 2800 miles the other I noticed a kind of rubbing and strange feeling when stopping slowly. I looked at the drivers side rotor and it has a BIG groove wore in it and there are metal shavings laying about. Took it to the dealer and they are replacing the rotor and caliper. It's supose to be ready tomorrow and I'll find out what broke in the caliper to cause this. Not too thrilled that I have this problem already.

 

blaze sounds like you caught a rock or something in the pad to do something like that. a stuck caliper wouldnt wear a grove.