What the hell is this noise!

[Michaelolson88]

So this has been occurring for a couple months now on my 99 ranger xlt 4x4 4.0 and I can’t figure out what it is. So I’m getting a cyclical chirping noise at speeds from 10-35mph. This isn’t affected by the breaks, doesn’t happen first thing only after I’ve been driving say 15 miles or so, goes away when turning. I have all new brakes and rotors. New drums and shoes. I have lifted my truck to shake the wheels back and forth and don’t seem to have any play in it. I assume it must be a wheel bearing but not entirely sure. Any help would be appreciated. Also I was looking for hub assemblies and prices are crazy different. Local oreilleys has assembly’s for $140 or I can get 2 assemblies on 1A auto for the same price.

 

[Dirtman]

I would check the the belt and drive accessory pulleys most importantly the power steering pump first. Mostly because its simply to do. Just pull the belt and check it for cracks or shiny spots, then grab all the pullys and feel for play or resistance when spinning them.

My next thought would be hub or cv axle... which I think is more likely, but more expensive and harder to diagnose so it's good to rule out the simple things first.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Are the CV boots in good shape... front diff full of lube... no u joint issues?

 

[Michaelolson88]

I would check the the belt and drive accessory pulleys most importantly the power steering pump first. Mostly because its simply to do. Just pull the belt and check it for cracks or shiny spots, then grab all the pullys and feel for play or resistance when spinning them.

My next thought would be hub or cv axle... which I think is more likely, but more expensive and harder to diagnose so it's good to rule out the simple things first.

I will go ahead and check the pulleys and belts to see if that might be it.

 

[Michaelolson88]

Are the CV boots in good shape... front diff full of lube... no u joint issues?

Boots good, plenty of lube and no U joint or ball joint issues.

 

[Uncle Gump]

If the noise is wheel speed related... there isn't much left but wheel bearings. Those typically don't chirp though... they tend to growl... louder with speed.

 

[Michaelolson88]

If the noise is wheel speed related... there isn't much left but wheel bearings. Those typically don't chirp though... they tend to growl... louder with speed.

Gotcha, it definitely is related to the speed as the chirping is congruent with the rotation of the wheel. It’s pretty loud when I have my windows down and can hear it bouncing off of walls or fences, etc.. but I can’t really tell which side it’s coming from. it’s kind of a wee wee wee wee wee. Not related to engine rpm or anything.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Does it still have the original front bearings? How any miles?

You also said light braking doesn't make it stop... and turning the wheel will make it stop?

 

[Michaelolson88]

Does it still have the original front bearings? How any miles?

You also said light braking doesn't make it stop... and turning the wheel will make it stop?

Driver side hub replaced probably 50k miles ago and I’m at 210k right now. Not sure if the passenger side has been replaced at all before buying the truck at 110k It’s sure sounds like it’s coming from the drivers side but i don’t know if that’s just because I’m on the side when listening.
Braking doesn’t seem to make any difference other than the noise slows down because the rotation of the wheel is decreasing. And it stops during turning in either direction.

 

[Uncle Gump]

A bunch of these bearings they sell now days days are pretty bad. I've heard stories and had the cheap ones fail within 20k.

 

[Dirtman]

A bunch of these bearings they sell now days days are pretty bad. I've heard stories and had the cheap ones fail within 20k.

1000000% never ever ever buy off brand no name sealed wheel bearings. They are tempting for the price but it will cost you less in the long run to buy quality. BCA, Timken, or straight motorcraft/ford replacement. You buy some BS brand on amazon it will cost you more in the long run. GUARANTEED.

 

[Michaelolson88]

Driver side hub replaced probably 50k miles ago and I’m at 210k right now. It’s sure sounds like it’s coming from the drivers side but i don’t know if that’s just because I’m on the side when listening.
Braking doesn’t seem to make any difference other than the noise slows down because the rotation of the wheel is decreasing. And it stops during turning in either direction.

1000000% never ever ever buy off brand no name sealed wheel bearings. They are tempting for the price but it will cost you less in the long run to buy quality. BCA, Timken, or straight motorcraft/ford replacement. You buy some BS brand on amazon it will cost you more in the long run. GUARANTEED.

Thanks for the advice. I picked up the only one available near me. A masterpro . Is there a way to determine which wheel it might be other than pinpointing the noise?

 

[Uncle Gump]

Movement on the hub... wiggle it

Roughness while rotating... you might feel it

grease puked out...

 

[Michaelolson88]

Well I took both wheels and rotors off to rotate to see if I can feel or hear anything. No play in either side and both sound the same when rotating. A tiny bit of noise but doesn’t seem like enough to warrant a change.

 

[Uncle Gump]

well... we can't pick one for you.