I have a 2003 F150 FX4 supercrew lariat that has a buzzing noise coming from the front end. It happens at slow speeds and at highway speeds. I can feel a slight vibration under my foot, but no wheel shake at all. I just had new tires put on as my old ones were really far gone with the famous F150 outside bald edges. I thought that the odd wear may have been the culprit, but that didn't change and dang thing. It may be the front hub bearings, but I cannot get any play out of the wheels when jacking off the ground and shaking, or when I removing the wheels and rotors, the hubs feel tight. I can turn them fine. There is some resistance, which leads me to the next question. If the truck is in 2wd, should the hub and axle going to the front transfer case actually spin, or should that axle only spin with 4wd engaged? The truck goes into and out of 4wd, but I was wondering if it is not full disengaging the axles if it is supposed to and that is what I am hearing. I have attached a pic to try and describe the question. The white arrows are pointing at the axle that is spinning with the wheel and hub when the truck is on and in 2wd. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance

 

The axle and hub turn all the time.

 

Ok, thanks. I just drove it to the store and I guess the best I can describe the sound at slow speeds, it is a whoosh, whoosh, whoosh sound. As I speed up it is more of a zoo, zoo, zoo, zoo, zoo sound. I know this sounds silly, but that is the best I can describe. Sounds kind of like mud tires would sound, but it has more of a mechanical feel to it, like metal. I may try and replace the front rotors and pads this weekend and see it that is it. It is about time anyway and I could at least rule that out before I drop bigger money.

 

I am just guessing, but I would start with checking the pads and rotors.

Other simple things - check the front diff fluid and check/lube the front driveshaft u-joints.

 

Will do. Thanks for your replies.

 

Changed the front brakes and rotors.....didn't fix it, but I do have new brakes!

Changed the front differential fluid....didn't fix it, but it was time anyway!

Changed left front hub.....didn't fix it

Changed right front hub....pay dirt. I now have a smooth and quiet ride again.

I figure the left hub might not be far behind the right hub, so no biggie on that.

All that for about $460 and about 4-5 hours of my time. I consider that a pretty good deal.