One dirty wheel...help!!
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From: kingsport
One dirty wheel...help!!
I have a 1997 Ford F150 XL, 4WD....very simple truck..no frills.
Since I've owned the truck (it's been almost 6 years), the right rear wheel has consistently gotten dirtier faster...with a black, greasy dust that is really difficult to clean. It's ruined the appearance of the wheel and seems to have gotten worse in the last few months. I neglected my weekly truck washing for a few weeks recently, and next thing I knew, that wheel and the tire were completely black. The others looked fine. I've also noticed that on really humid or rainy mornings when I start out to work, that the brakes will grab and jerk the first couple of times I apply them with any pressure. Does anyone have any ideas on what I can do to stop this? Also, has anyone had problems with water leaking into the cab when it rains? I have put sealant all the way across the top of the cab but I still have a leak..I think it may be coming in around the light on the back of the cab. The faster I drive in the rain, the faster the drip. Not a fun situation
. Thanks for any input!
Amyzon
Since I've owned the truck (it's been almost 6 years), the right rear wheel has consistently gotten dirtier faster...with a black, greasy dust that is really difficult to clean. It's ruined the appearance of the wheel and seems to have gotten worse in the last few months. I neglected my weekly truck washing for a few weeks recently, and next thing I knew, that wheel and the tire were completely black. The others looked fine. I've also noticed that on really humid or rainy mornings when I start out to work, that the brakes will grab and jerk the first couple of times I apply them with any pressure. Does anyone have any ideas on what I can do to stop this? Also, has anyone had problems with water leaking into the cab when it rains? I have put sealant all the way across the top of the cab but I still have a leak..I think it may be coming in around the light on the back of the cab. The faster I drive in the rain, the faster the drip. Not a fun situation
. Thanks for any input!Amyzon
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One dirty wheel...help!!
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 26-Aug-02 AT 02:46 PM (EST)]Have your tailpipe moved to behind the wheel well.
as for the window, it's probably the 3 pieced frame...not much to do but replace it.
that should fix it.
YD
as for the window, it's probably the 3 pieced frame...not much to do but replace it.
that should fix it.
YD
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: LA
One dirty wheel...help!!
>The grabbing could be the oily substance getting on the
>brakes.
No. If you have an axle seal leak, your brake will practically not work at all. Oil is a lubricant, it will take away all significant friction.
George
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From: kingsport
One dirty wheel...help!!
Well, I stopped by the local pipe and muffler shop, and they have apparently worked on a bunch of the 97 F150's with this exact same problem. It is the tailpipe...for some reason Ford designed that model with the tailpipe coming out in front of the right rear wheel. When I look closely, I can actually see the heat marks on the tire from the exhaust. Makes sense that it's gotten worse lately; I've been doing alot more traveling the last few months...trips that are 3-4 hours each. They are going to reroute the tailpipe out the back like they've been doing for all the others. If it was making such a mess of that wheel, do you think it could also be affecting the brake on that side?
Thanks so much for the info and help!
Amyzon
Thanks so much for the info and help!
Amyzon
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From: Ohio
One dirty wheel...help!!
The heat from the brakes would "Coke" The oil.
The brake dust would also become gummy and cause grabbing.
The brake dust would also become gummy and cause grabbing.
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One dirty wheel...help!!
I would still check the wheel caliper cylinder. Normally you won't get a black, greasy smoke from your tailpipe unless you have an engine issue (you know, black smoke is fuel, blue is oil, white is radiator). My thought would be that the brake cylinder is leaking and the engine exhaust is coking it onto the wheel. A leaking brake cylinder usually causes grabbing brakes as the cylinder gets enough fluid back in it to work smoothly. I would sure pull that wheel and take a look at it. Just my 2cents. 
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One dirty wheel...help!!
The R/R wheel does get black and dirty looking due to the exhaust.
I've replaced quite a few muffler/tailpipe assemblies to cure this.
You might also want to replace the wheel nuts on the R/R too as they will probably be quite rusty.
The brakes are locking up when they are cold and wet because they are full of brake dust. If you remove the rubber adjuster plugs from the backing plates and stick the garden hose in there to flush them out you'll be surprised at how much dust comes out. Then drive it to warm up the brakes to dry them. Next morning they will probably be better. If they are you can either replace the shoes with updated ones from Ford or you can chamfer the leading and trailing edges of the shoes with a file and this will usually help. Remember to wear a respirator anytime you're working with brake dust. Usually if the wheel seals are leaking and oil is on the shows they will lock up all the time...not just when they are cold and wet.
Ford sells new seals for the rear window. It's a bit of a pain to replace but usually helps it.
I've replaced quite a few muffler/tailpipe assemblies to cure this.
You might also want to replace the wheel nuts on the R/R too as they will probably be quite rusty.
The brakes are locking up when they are cold and wet because they are full of brake dust. If you remove the rubber adjuster plugs from the backing plates and stick the garden hose in there to flush them out you'll be surprised at how much dust comes out. Then drive it to warm up the brakes to dry them. Next morning they will probably be better. If they are you can either replace the shoes with updated ones from Ford or you can chamfer the leading and trailing edges of the shoes with a file and this will usually help. Remember to wear a respirator anytime you're working with brake dust. Usually if the wheel seals are leaking and oil is on the shows they will lock up all the time...not just when they are cold and wet.
Ford sells new seals for the rear window. It's a bit of a pain to replace but usually helps it.
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From: kingsport
One dirty wheel...help!!
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 03-Sep-02 AT 04:49 PM (EST)]Wow! Thanks for all the help....getting the tailpipe moved cured the dirty wheel problem, and now I know where to start with the leaky window and the brakes.
Much appreciated!!
Amyzon
Much appreciated!!
Amyzon
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