Wheel Bearings??? Howling noise speed variant???

Verytalonted · #1 02-23-2010, 11:41 PM

03 F150 SCrew FX4 4.6 Auto 4WD Shift-on-the-fly

Ok that said, my truck is making a "howling" noise that is very speed dependant, that stops while I am steering to the right but remains an annoyance when going straight or veering left. This noise sounds very much like wheel bearings and my Dad (shade-tree mechanic) said that since turning the steering wheel changes it then it must be a front wheel noise.

My questions are:
I looked on auto zone's website and was strangly surprised to find there is no just "wheel bearing" but instead a "Wheel Bearing/Hub Assembly-Front" and it is $230!?!?!? Holy crap! So I went on ebay and found wheel bearing hubs like this one http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2003-...Q5fAccessories and many other for $180ish for a pair, nicer price but still not what I want to see. Is this really that expensive of a part? The only reason I can think that this is that expensive is because I have Shift-On-The-Fly and the bearings are part of the auto locking hubs, is this right?

Second question: Are there cheaper vendors out there?

Third question: How long can I ignore the "howling"?

Forth question: How hard are the to replace?

Fifth question: Since they only make noise straight and left, does that mean only one is bad? Can I replace only that one?

Thanks again guys, sorry about all the questions but any knowledge will help and pics/links would be awesome

--Chris

Paralyzer · #2 02-24-2010, 01:51 AM

yes they are serviced as an assembly and no they are not cheap.
most likely one side is making the noise if the noise goes away when turning one way. but without proper equipment it can be hard to tell which side is at fault, NORMALY if you turn to the left and the noise goes away it would be the left bearing and vise versa, if you are wrong just install the bearing you removed on the other side. if you jack up the front end sometimes you can feel if the bearing is loose or rough.
fairly simple to remove...axle nut, caliper and braket, rotor, 3 bolts from back of steering knuckle and abs sensor wire.

big easy · #3 02-24-2010, 11:12 AM

I'm a newbie here,but have lurked around for a long time,and want to thank everyone for the good info.

I'm having the same howling noise on my 05 F150 4x4.(44,000 miles)When I turn to the right,it gets louder,and to the left it's much quieter.Going straight it's there,but much fainter.
My mechanic said to keep driving it until it gets worse,but I disagree with him.Like you,I was shocked by the price,but not much we can do about that.
Looks like I might attempt it myself,unless he's willing to do it for a reasonable labor charge.

I just had the right front CV axle and boot replaced.He charged me $306.00 for a rebuilt unit.My local ford dealer wanted $680.00 to do it.
The service guy at Ford told me that they use only 100% ford equipment and how it's so much better than after market rebuilt stuff.
My answer to him was if the Ford stuff is so great,why did it crap out in 40,000 miles.
No thanks I'll take the 400.00 savings and go with the rebuilt,it will probably last longer.

Verytalonted · #4 02-24-2010, 09:48 PM

will it destroy more if I drive on it until I get my tax return?

mhockey9090 · #5 02-24-2010, 11:27 PM

Mine went out as well and i was told by driving on bad wheel bearings and such the wheel can fall off. So that was enough for me too drop it off tonight at the dealership and hopefully have it fixed under warranty. Do they cover this kinda repair under warranty?

canadian_screw · #6 02-25-2010, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mhockey9090

Mine went out as well and i was told by driving on bad wheel bearings and such the wheel can fall off. So that was enough for me too drop it off tonight at the dealership and hopefully have it fixed under warranty. Do they cover this kinda repair under warranty?

Ford did wheel bearings on my ranger under warranty at about 90000km(55k ish miles). I don't see why it wouldn't be under warranty as long as your still in factory warranty

mhockey9090 · #7 02-25-2010, 12:17 AM

I got extended warranty that covers bumper to bumper. So i guess its the same as factory you could say

Verytalonted · #8 02-26-2010, 12:26 AM

any cheaper places to get these bearings from? do cheaper bearings off eBay indicate cheaper quality? I just don't feel like blowing $230 a side at VatoZone

mhockey9090 · #9 03-23-2010, 08:22 PM

Well another one went out and im trying to find parts and where to start. Ive been reading threads and im just not finding any parts besides the whole hub assembly.

Paralyzer · #10 03-23-2010, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mhockey9090

Well another one went out and im trying to find parts and where to start. Ive been reading threads and im just not finding any parts besides the whole hub assembly.

yup thats all you will find. its the only way.