gk150

Guys, I'm getting a bit ticked off with Ford over this truck and I'm hoping someone can help. Bought it new just a couple months ago. I noticed a ticking/clicking noise coming from the front with only about 400 miles on it. I talked to the dealer, and they said since it wasn't very loud they probably couldn't find the issue and fix it. I drove it like that until it got to the point where I couldn't stand the noise any more, still less than 1100 miles on it. Took it in and had a tech ride and listen, they agreed there was a problem.

So, I left the truck with them for three days, during which they put about 65 miles on it, only to find out that they think it needs front wheel bearings. However, they did't fix the truck because they can't get the parts. I've been trying to get someone at Ford to do something about this all week with no luck. Customer service simply says I have to wait for a regional CS manager to call, but they haven't called. I've asked for the phone number of this person so I can call them, but they won't give it to me. I guess they keep everyone pretty well insulated from actual customers. I'm starting to lose my patience because, well, it sucks to buy a $35k truck and then have deal with customer service that doesn't seem to even care. Meanwhile in the few miles I've driven the truck since getting it back, the problem seems to be getting worse, and I don't think I trust it on any longer distance drives.

So, two questions:
-does anybody know how I can get eyes on this problem and get it fixed?
-has anybody else ran into this situation with wheel bearings not being available?

BTW, it also has a grinding/rubbing noise from the rear under braking. I asked the dealer to fix that when I left it for the front end noise. Dealer claimed they fixed it but the noise is still there. Any ideas on that?

Thanks for any help...

BobLobLaw

My only advice is to go to a different dealer. They may be better help

Lost In Sync

Lots of dealers out there have front wheel bearings. What dealer are you dealing with?

gk150

I'm using the local dealer. They're saying they can't get the wheel bearings because they're on national backorder. I'm going to contact another dealer today, but I think this is a problem with Ford not supplying the parts, which is why I'm trying to get someone from Ford customer service on this.

proexpert

I have the noise when braking, still trying to figure out the source before I go to the dealer.

gk150

Well, here's a small update. Ford CS claimed that this regional CS manager told them that my dealer wasn't responding to her. So I called the dealer's service manager and asked about that, and he said no, they had been communicating with various managers on this. Also, he told me at that time that the wheel bearing unit was supposed to ship today. Low and behold, it actually came in today.

So, back to the dealer on Monday for the front wheel bearings and another attempt to fix the rear end noise. The tech says he doesn't know what to do about that, but something is definitely wrong. Sometimes when coming to a stop, it's a pretty loud rubbing/grinding noise. The tech blamed it on rust on the rear brake rotors, but there is no rust. I did notice that the parking brake shoes are dragging on some spots as the rear wheels turn and not in others (rotors warped?). I adjusted the cables out some so they barely made contact with the brake off, and it still makes the noise. I hope they come up with something, because this is annoying as hell.

gk150

Ok, dealer got the front wheel bearing units on and they didn't fix the problem. They had the truck all of last week and the noise from the front end is still there. The tech told me that Ford is advising that the noise is normal. There is no way this is normal noise. It starts doing this when the truck warms up, and will do it quicker when the temperature outside is higher. The noise sometimes gets a little better, sometimes gets a little worse. A constant clicking noise from the front end, and it's driving me crazy.

So, they replaced the wheel bearings and turned the rotors. The noise is there in 4wd also, it's there when coasting in neutral, it's there if you lightly apply the brakes just enough to get the pads to start clamping down on the rotors. I don't understand what it could be if it's not the wheel bearings based on how it behaves. I've ridden in other brand new trucks, and they don't make the noise. I know someone with a truck identical to mine that has about the same mileage as mine, and it doesn't make the noise. Yet Ford is claiming it's 'normal'.

Any ideas at all?

gk150

They seem to have fixed the noise from the rear when braking on mine. The rear brake rotors had to be turned, apparently they were warped from the factory.

2010stx4by4

Ford has done this with my wifes Ford Focus. If they can't figure out what the problem is, they'll tell you it's normal.

You and I know these sounds aren't normal. Just keep taking it back and don't give up.