Strange Front-end Noise (Front Differential)
#1
Strange Front-end Noise (Front Differential)
My truck ('99 F150 4WD) has started making a "whirring" sound when the brakes are applied. I first thought one of the new hubs recently installed had a bum bearing (the sound frequency is too high to be the brakes, and there's no sensation in the pedal) but I think I've tracked the sound to the front differential, left side. The video below shows a "clicking" sound when rotated by hand.
EDIT 5/31/15: I just finished installing the half-shaft, and the noise (clicking in the video) and the "rumbling/vibrating" under braking are still present. Further explanation below.
Can anyone give me an idea what I might be looking at?
Thanks in advance.
Andy
EDIT 5/31/15: I just finished installing the half-shaft, and the noise (clicking in the video) and the "rumbling/vibrating" under braking are still present. Further explanation below.
Can anyone give me an idea what I might be looking at?
Thanks in advance.
Andy
Last edited by OhioLariat; 05-31-2015 at 05:51 PM.
#3
You know, if this was a regular ol' front-driver, I probably would've come up with the same thing. I don't know why I didn't. Thanks!
It actually works out fine, as it looks like the boot on the *other* end is spewing grease out of a tiny hole. Time to replace the half-shaft.
Andy
It actually works out fine, as it looks like the boot on the *other* end is spewing grease out of a tiny hole. Time to replace the half-shaft.
Andy
#4
As noted in my original post above, I installed the new half shaft, and the noise(s), both the "clicking" in the video, and the "rumbling/vibration" under braking are still present. shaft would have needed replacement anyway, as the outer CV boot was torn, but I'm thinking the noises are now unrelated.
I recently replaced both bearing hubs, and I'm beginning to think that one of them may be bad. The noise under braking has gotten a bit worse worse, and it now feels like I'm going over rumble strips as I slow to about 10 MPH. The strange thing is that the hubs/bearings are quiet otherwise, and also when turning left or right, such as on exit ramps, where bad bearings usually make their presence known.
I'm stumped.
Andy
I recently replaced both bearing hubs, and I'm beginning to think that one of them may be bad. The noise under braking has gotten a bit worse worse, and it now feels like I'm going over rumble strips as I slow to about 10 MPH. The strange thing is that the hubs/bearings are quiet otherwise, and also when turning left or right, such as on exit ramps, where bad bearings usually make their presence known.
I'm stumped.
Andy
#5
#7
The 97 and up F150s and Expeditions use a CAD (central axle disconnect) style front axle actuator... similar to the GM IFS and 94 and up Dodge 4x4s. It's either going to be the vacuum switch on the t-case, lines, or the actuator on the front axle. The hubs are direct drive with no disconnect at the wheels.
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#10
GLC-I know now, that's why I posted This and the video! Looking forward to my next correction,LOL
The 97 and up F150s and Expeditions use a CAD (central axle disconnect) style front axle actuator... similar to the GM IFS and 94 and up Dodge 4x4s. It's either going to be the vacuum switch on the t-case, lines, or the actuator on the front axle. The hubs are direct drive with no disconnect at the wheels.
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#11
Thanks for the additional replies, gents. I'm familiar with the 4WD lockout system (but that video is a really good resource!). In fact, I modified it awhile back with a switch and latching relay so I could have 2WD low for use while towing my camper up the hill of our driveway.
Rev, the more I look at this, the more I don't think it's brake related. The noise and vibration increase as the vehicle slows, and is still present when I release the brakes while rolling very slowly. I'm still leaning toward one of the hubs I installed having a bad bearing. I'm thinking that the braking action is placing added load on the hub, and causing the defect to become noticeable.
This is still speculation, as I can't detect any problem with the wheels off the ground and spinning them by hand.
Andy
P.S. Sorry for the late post, as I didn't receive the email notification of your replies.
Rev, the more I look at this, the more I don't think it's brake related. The noise and vibration increase as the vehicle slows, and is still present when I release the brakes while rolling very slowly. I'm still leaning toward one of the hubs I installed having a bad bearing. I'm thinking that the braking action is placing added load on the hub, and causing the defect to become noticeable.
This is still speculation, as I can't detect any problem with the wheels off the ground and spinning them by hand.
Andy
P.S. Sorry for the late post, as I didn't receive the email notification of your replies.
Last edited by OhioLariat; 06-08-2015 at 12:25 PM.
#13