Guys--I'm trying to figure out where the squealing is coming from with my '03 F250 four door 4x4 with 31K miles. The noise almost sounds like the wheel bearing seal problem I had on my Bronco a while back. It does change sound with speed. It does not stop when I apply the brakes. It does not change tone when I put the truck in neutral while rolling. It comes and goes at times, but has become much more frequent lately. I really cannot tell which end of the truck it is coming from. I always seem to guess wrong!

At first I thought that it was the brakes, but after pulling all of the wheels and checking the brakes, I'm sure they're good. Then I thought that it was possibly the drivers side needle bearing(thought that it was that side), so today I tore it down and lubed the perfect condition bearing just to be sure. I'll do the pass side next weekend when I have time off of work to get it done.

Tonight I had my wife drive it in a large parking lot while I ran along side, and to my surprise, it seems to be coming from the center of the truck, not any of the wheels! I also rode in the bed and came to the same conclusion. Could it be something along the driveline? The sound does seem to be speed sensitive, with it continuing all the way up to 80 mph (max I have gone with it). Any ideas will be of great help to me. This sound is driving me crazy!

 

Could be a dry u joint.

 

I agree, either carrier bearings or u-joints! I'd check them before something locks up and causes more damage.

Retired from Hanscom in 99...good luck!

 

I would also check your ujoints as well. They may feel fine and still be tight but I am sure they will be dry. This has happened on my bros 02 2 times now.

 

Driveshaft carrier bearing?

 

Probably an engine component pulley going bad or just dirty? I rule out a U-Joint because you mentioned that it does not change tone when you go to Neutral.

 

Lock the hubs, and take it for a ride, see if the squeeling is gone.

 

Krewat is on to something here.

Also - make sure the hub or hubs are not sticking in the locked position. If you have ESOF, that is.

If that's not it - take a look at the carrier bearing as was posted by msgtg - make sure the rubber around it has not failed.