Guys, I have a roaring thats been going on for a couple of months. Its sounds like a rock in the brakes but its not. It happens around 30mph and If switch my truck to 4wd hi the noise will stop. Its a grinding of metal on metal I was going to take it to the dealership, but they said unless its doing it they want know how to fix it. Its a 2005 FX5. Any idea. RIck

 

I have the same exact problem that just started a couple of days ago. When it's making the noise and I flip it to 4 high, the noise stops immediately and doesn't come back when I switch back to 2 wheel drive. I have a 2004 Lariat. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Almost sounds like you are both having a problem with one of your IWEs (Integrated Wheel Ends). These are what lock and unlock for 4wd at the front wheel. The default position for these, engine off is locked. When you start the truck, it sends vacuum to the IWE and unlocks it, assuming your are in 2wd. If you have vacuum problems or an IWE problem, they could stay locked.

 

Hey guys, I have to take my ford into the shop Thursday. This roaring is getting worse and I know its metal on metal. I will post what the problem is when I get it fixed. THanks for replying. Rick

 

That really sucks you have to take it in. Please post up the repair info, I'd really appreciate it.

 

I have a similar problem, except mine sounds more like rubbing. It happens at lower speeds up to like 15-20, and then goes away. It comes back when I slow back down and is more pronounced when turning.. its pretty weird. I have a 4.5" Lift with 285/75/16's (33's) and I know they arent rubbing, but thats what it sounds like.. I can feel the rubbing in the steering wheel and in the floor where my foot rests.. it sucks

I havent tried testing it in 4 wheel drive yet (Electronic Shift) and maybe I will later.

 

Kingfish you are right on. Just got a call from them and they explained it to me just like you described. 179.00 plus tax and she is cured. Hope this helps some of you other guys. Rick

 

Glad they are getting it fixed for you.

 

Yours sounds like a wheel bearing going out. If you turn left and hear it, it is the right one. If you turn right and hear it, it is the left one. This is because the weight is being shifted over to those corners when turning. Had to replace one on my truck ('02) this last winter on pass. side and my brother on his ('00) on the drivers side a couple of months ago.

 

Awesome.. and yea it does make the noise in 4 wheel drive so I now know its not in the differential or transfer case.. :/

Is it something I can do myself? I'll be needing brake pads very soon also, so I may as well do them both at the same time... any input?

 

K well.. I jacked up both tires, turned straight, left, and right.. and I tried to play with the wheel on the top and bottom and it didnt budge.. so I dont think its the bearing, unless its just the early stages. When I spun the wheels, the only things i heard were the brakes and rotors' friction, and when turned, the rubber boot rubbing against itself. I WD40'd that out pretty nice and all i heard was brakes.. but the problem is still there, though I think slightly less appearant.

I wonder what else it could be..

 

You should have driven it and turned it left and right and listen to see if it is worse one way or the other. Another way to check would be to jack it up like you did and grab the left side of the tire with one hand and the right with your other hand and push and pull (in and out) one way with one hand and the opposite with the other. If there is play that is generally what it is. Another way would be to take the wheel off and rotor off so that you are just down to the hub itself and spin it. If it grinds or feels rough, BINGO.

 

See.. it does do it more when I turn to the right.. and when I jacked it up, I didnt have play in any possible direction other than the way it would if i was turning the steering wheel. When it was spinning I definately heard a grinding, but it was subtle and it really sounded like what i would imagine brakes sound like as theyre going, the friction between the pads and rotors that is. Ill check it out again tomorrow..

 

when i did my front diff gears, i pulled the carrier, and found that the washer between one of the spider gears and the carrier was gone, and the spider gear had been wearing into the carrier probably 3/16". when 4x4 was not enguaged the spiders would spin constantly because the left side is always in motion, when the front end is engauged, the spiders are not in motion until cornering is encountered. this could be your problem.

just a thought, good luck