Expy Wheel Squeal

[oldjeep]

Re: Expy Wheel Squeal

If it's 2WD it should be an easy fix.

Even if it is 4wd it is an easy fix. Basically the same unit bearing, you just have one extra nut to remove (sometimes). On my Ram they don't even bother using a different unit bearing for 2wd/4wd the 2wd still has the splines inside, just nothing in it.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Expy Wheel Squeal

Get with the program and get it done.

Often a bad bearing can swell the outer race and ruin the hub. A new bearing race will be too loose once it gets into position, then you have to pull it out and go get a new hub and start over putting it back together.

Lots of newer vehicles the dealer won't even bother with a bearing, they simply slap on a new hub that comes ready loaded with bearings and seal. Of course it costs far more $$$$$ that way.

Double check the brake caliper, if the hub/rotor 'tilted' much the rotor may have taken a bite out of the caliper and pads.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Expy Wheel Squeal

I'm going Monday to have it checked out.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Expy Wheel Squeal

Get with the program and get it done.

Often a bad bearing can swell the outer race and ruin the hub. A new bearing race will be too loose once it gets into position, then you have to pull it out and go get a new hub and start over putting it back together.

Lots of newer vehicles the dealer won't even bother with a bearing, they simply slap on a new hub that comes ready loaded with bearings and seal. Of course it costs far more $$$$$ that way.

Double check the brake caliper, if the hub/rotor 'tilted' much the rotor may have taken a bite out of the caliper and pads.

Anything modern uses a unit bearing. Costs for the Ford stuff is $150-$200 a side and takes about 30 minutes to replace.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Expy Wheel Squeal

Anything modern uses a unit bearing. Costs for the Ford stuff is $150-$200 a side and takes about 30 minutes to replace.

That is unless your rotor is rusted to the hub, then it is either sledge hammer time or pulling the hub with the rotor still on it. Did that on both of my expedition hubs in 8 degree weather. Man that sucked.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Expy Wheel Squeal

Also, if it is the hub, spring for the hub with the good bearings, not the cheaper one. You will be replacing it again if you go with the cheap one..

 

[lncoop]

Re: Expy Wheel Squeal

Okay my brethren, here's an update; sorta. I used to take my vehicles to an independent mechanic. Super nice guy and always did good work for me, but the last several years most of what I've had done has been under warranty so I haven't been able to patronize him. I called him yesterday afternoon and he insisted I come right over. He checked it over and drove it with me. The ball joints will need to be replaced at some point (nowhere near critical), but the wheel bearings are fine. My suspicion was correct that the left turn was a red herring. Last night I heard the squeal again as I was pulling into the garage. I backed out and pulled back in repeatedly and heard it at the same point every time. I'm pretty confident it only happens at low speeds, say under twenty mph.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Expy Wheel Squeal

A simple driving test is not an accurate test of wheel bearings.

The front wheels should be jacked off the ground and the wheel/tire needs to be grasped by hand, top and bottom, and felt for bearing 'play'.

A slow speed squeak can also be made by a dry u-joint.

 

[glenn property of pam]

Re: Expy Wheel Squeal

does it only happen after using the brakes

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Expy Wheel Squeal

And the brake pad wear was checked? Not the wear indicator?

 

[lncoop]

Re: Expy Wheel Squeal

A simple driving test is not an accurate test of wheel bearings.

The front wheels should be jacked off the ground and the wheel/tire needs to be grasped by hand, top and bottom, and felt for bearing 'play'.

A slow speed squeak can also be made by a dry u-joint.

He did all those things before we drove it, hence the ball joint diagnosis.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Expy Wheel Squeal

does it only happen after using the brakes

Don't think so.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Expy Wheel Squeal

And the brake pad wear was checked? Not the wear indicator?

I had that thought this morning, but last time I had the oil changed (end of June) they were still in good shape according to the dealer.

 

[carguy001]

Re: Expy Wheel Squeal

well its gotta be the muffler bearing, with road and wind noise causes you to not hear it above 15 mph

 

[glenn property of pam]

Re: Expy Wheel Squeal

Don't think so.

well that counts out a sticking brake cylinder. pleanty of other things like the ac clutch, power steering pump, altenator bearing, belt tensioner just to name a few that can be covered up by the engine noise once you get going.

 

[888]

Re: Expy Wheel Squeal

Does it make the noise all the time?? If not bring it back when it does. Much EASIER TO DIAGNOSE.

 

[rbh]

Re: Expy Wheel Squeal

Coop, try this.

Like I mentioned the power steering could be the issue, either the pump or belt.

So, fire up the beast (after you check the PS fluid), turn the steering wheel all over one direction till you hit the end of the stroke and "HOLD IT", now go all the way over to the other side and "HOLD IT"


This will just rule out the power steering if there is no squealing like a piggy!!LOL

 

[lncoop]

Re: Expy Wheel Squeal

I'm positive it's not power steering related. It's coming from under the truck and is definitely not belt or pump noise. It's a metallic squeal that isn't very loud and right now is intermittent. Dry u-joint sounds plausible.

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: Expy Wheel Squeal

Is there a driveshaft hanger bearing on that vehicle?

 

[lncoop]

Re: Expy Wheel Squeal

I believe so.