I have a 2007 F150 XLT 5.4 SCAB that just crossed the 100,000 mile mark. Recently I have notice a squeek that increases in pitch from about 20mph until roughly 40mph where road/wind noise muffles it. The sound doesn't necessarily get louder, just higher in pitch - which leads me to believe its probably a bearing. It also isnt that loud...I can only hear it with the windows up and the speakers off.

I am not able to hear it with the truck in park and slowly rev the engine which leads me to believe it's in the drivetrain. The sound seems to be coming from the driver's side front (but I could easily be wrong), maybe wheel bearing? - except I just replaced that wheel bearing and hub assembly about 3 months ago. Any help would be much appreciated before I go take it to the dealer and get charged a fortune to diagnose it!

 

My 2005 is doing the same thing. I am taking in to the dealer in the morning. I will let you know what they come up with. I am leaning toward the wheel bearings.

 

sounds like a wheel bearing to me.

 

Thanks for the responses! Earlier today it sounded like the noise was coming from the transmission...but I just drove it down a hill with the truck in neutral and it still made the sound, just not nearly as loud. It seems to be the most noticeable when accelerating. I actually have an appointment with the dealer first thing tomorrow morning as well, so I will pass the word along as well.

 

I am going to be slightly upset if it is the driver's side front wheel bearing because those aren't cheap and I literally just had it replaced...

 

I took it in to Ford this morning and drove a technician around so he could hear the noise. Of course it didn't seem to be as prevelent as usual, but he did say it was not a wheel bearing. He suggested I continue to drive it until the noise gets worse so it would be easier for them to diagnose - which would also cost me less. He said the noise could be from the transmission but he would want to be sure before working on it.

Does this ring any bells to anyone?

 

when is the last time your tranny fluid was changed?

 

Could be a bearing .... could be several things, including just something rubbing an axle? I'ld also raise front and rotaoe wheels and look and listen. Maybe have buddy rotate wheels while I used a stethascope or hardwood stick to listen. Maybe put it on a lift and let him run it in 4wd .... just watch for moving parts.

Once had a bad rumble in RR of our Subaru GL Hatchback I thought was a bearing. Pulled wheel, was a large walnut laying up on top between CV Joint housing and suspension control arm so going forwards, walnut was wedged tight between them causing rumble. In reverse, no wedging action and no noise.

Another Mr. Squirrel strike!

 

Hey,

Just got a call from the dealer and it was the hub not disengaging on mine. I will get the technical part name when I pick it up later. Looking at $265 for the repair.

 

I just changed the transmission fluid about 1000 miles ago. The fluid level looks good and the fluid temp is staying in its usual range. It was very easy to change...I can't think of anything I could have messed up...I did replace the filter.

I will put it up on jacks this weekend and see what I can find.

Thanks for the help!

 

Ok, official diagnoses. Replace hub locking cylinder. Part # - 7L1Z-3C247

I paid and got in the truck and when I started out in the parking lot the noise was worse. Instead of starting at 20mph it starts immediately. They told me to bring it in today and they would take another look.

Long story short on my way home I decided to see what speed the noise would stop at. On my way past 80mph I heard a whoosh sound like when you take an air line off of a air tool and it hasn't made a noise since. I am crossing my fingers. Not sure what the sound was but is hasn't returned.

 

To the OP - that sounds like dry u-joints to me.