FStorm150

See the attached videos, I took both of them while driving, so sorry for the excessive wind. The best way I can describe the noise is a spinning/grinding/screeching sound. I first noticed it a couple weeks ago during a long road trip, was going about 65 and it came out of no where, and man is it loud. As I slowed down to pull over and came to a stop, the noise stopped as well. But even when I was going 10 mph, the noise was still going at the same velocity and same volume, and doesn't slow down or get softer as the truck slows down. What's weird is it is very sporadic and happens unexpectedly. It has maybe happened 4 or 5 times since, 3 times today actually. The second video is from today when I was going about 20 mph. When it comes to a stop I definitely feel a kick coming from somewhere in the drivetrain, and when it finally stops it sounds like it stops on one side first and then another, it's weird and hard to explain. I can't tell if it's coming from the front or rear. I had new gears put in about 6K miles ago now and haven't had a problem with them yet. I'm thinking if it would be the gears, the noise would be occurring non stop all the time, not periodically.

Does anyone have any idea what this could be? I've had my local mechanic take it for a road test (of course nothing happened when he did). All the brakes and rotors check out just fine. The tranny is shifting just fine as smooth as can be. Anyone have any ideas or run into this before? I'm very concerned to say the least...

FordRoushFan

Back in 2010 when I had my 2008 Limited F150, I had a noise just like yours and when I turned the wheels I would get a "clicking sound" that could be felt in the pedal and steering wheel. I took it into the dealer and they told me that my wheel bearings needed to be replaced (both sides - driver side was worst then the passenger side) and some sort of "clip" in the front differential needed to be replaced as well. I'm not sure if this is what your problem is but it seems similar to what I had going on.

FStorm150

Hmm interesting. Thanks.

FordRoushFan

So, I listened to your video again and I'm almost positive that your problem is the same problem that I had. And, now that I think about it, mine was just as loud as yours (I tried to edit my original post but you're pretty quick to reply, lol). When it first began, it wouldn't make the noise all the time (just like what you're experiencing) but as it got worse it began to happen pretty frequently. The strange thing is, it wouldn't make a noise if I drove below 15 mph or so. But once I got above 15 - 20 mph it would start and not stop until I got below 15 - 20 mph.

FStorm150

Sounds like the exact same thing. I know this is gunna be a rookie question, but here goes... Are there wheel bearings in just the front or both front and rear? I'm assuming just front and that they're part of the hub assemblies? What else could be wrong with the hub assemblies? I also read that it might be the IWE solenoid?

And was your noise at the same volume and speed no matter how fast you were going? (Obviously it comes to a stop once you come to a stop)

FordRoushFan

No, there are wheel bearings at all four wheels. Most modern vehicles use a one-piece hub assembly that incorporates the hub, wheel bearing, ABS wheel speed sensor, and mounting flange for the front. The rear wheel bearings mount in the differential housing and allow the axle to rotate.


After searching to find out what the IWE solenoid is, that may be your problem (certainly would cost less to fix). But, I can't say for sure.


Yes, my noise was the same volume and speed no matter how fast I was going.

FStorm150

Thanks!

BlazinyellaFx4

Definitely the wheel / hub bearing. I just had to both of mine and ended up with all new front brakes. Caliper and rotors. The wobbling wheel causes more pressure to exerted on one side of the caliper and it will lock up and destroy your rotors so do it as quick as possible.

Brian's FX4

I just replaced my driver's side a couple weeks ago for that exact sound. They are real easy to replace. I got one from Autozone and it took maybe 30 minutes total, including dragging my jack out and everything. They are less than 200 bucks...