Ok, here is the set up

2005 F-150
2.5 inch leveling kit (been on for about 60,000 miles)
Brake dust shields
Had Mickey Thompson 18 wheels with Toyo 325/65/18 tires on until about a week ago
Switched them out and went back to stock
Towed my boat for about 2500 miles (half with Toyo tires and other half with stocks)
No issues at all during this whole towing process

Today, while driving down street (no tow load) there was a grinding noise in what I thought was the right front of the truck. It lasted for about 200 feet and I stopped. I got out and saw nothing. It then went away.

About and hour later, while towing boat, it did it again but it was intermittent this time for about 200 feet. Also,, this time it sounded like it was coming from the rear of the truck. I pulled over, and then started driving and it went away.

Then, approximately 8 hours later, not towing, driving down street, it did it again but this time it sounded like it was in the left front. Once again, stopped, it went away, and no more.

Any idea what could be causing this? Could something be going wrong with the truck or could it be the heat shields? I have kept up with all maintenance per the Ford owners manual. To include new brakes a couple months ago.

Like I said, this has never happened before. Then today it has happened three times. Also, there is no lag in shifting gears or anything.

Thanks. I am looking for help here before getting raped by the dealership.

 

Its 4wd right?

 

if it is 4wd I would bet it is your hubs, very common problem. It could be as simple as a leak or maybe the solenoid. Take it to the dealer asap because that grinding is most likely the hubs trying to engage and it is tearing the teeth up. When I took my truck in the replaced both of the iwe because they were torn up. Thank you extended warranty. Next time it does it, put it in 4wd and see if it goes away. Make sure you drive in a straight line!

 

Yes, it is 4WD. It is a FX4. Any reason it would do this? Thanks though. Now that you say that, it makes sense. I could not figure out why it was moving locations but if it is the 4WD then that would make sense. Any idea how long it will take to fix or cost? Thank God for extended warranty for me also.

 

One more thing, should I go in and tell them what I think the problem is, or should I just tell them it is grinding and see what they come up with as a problem?

 

Again, sounds like the dreaded wheel bearing issue......

 

Well, it was a bad solenoid. All fixed now though. Also my rear main seal was bad so that got replaced also. Thank goodness for the extended warranty!