Hey all, I'm new to the forums and have searched for individuals with similar issues but have been unsuccessful. I was tempted to post this in the suspension forum, although I can't be certain that's the area of the problem. I will try to be as detailed as I can:

I have a 1999 XLT 3.0 4X4

UNDER 25 miles per hour there is an intermittent, muffled squealing noticeably coming from the front-passenger side of the truck which increases and decreases with the speed of the wheels. It seems to be drown out by higher speeds, but is quite loud when going slow (people stare when I roll by).

This noise has NO connection with the application of the brakes (rotors and pads were just replaced) and seems, sometimes, to lessen when it is raining out and worsen when it is hot and dry. The momentum of the truck is unhindered when idling in drive.

I have had two different mechanics look at the noise: the first was stumped, and the second mentioned that there was rust which could cause the noise?


Sorry for the long post and ANY help would be appreciated!!

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only when rolling, right?

it's pretty easy to take the brake assembly part and re-grease everything. that way you can check all the components over & lube up the caliper slider pins and stuff & look for excessive rust or maybe rocks stuck in there...who knows.

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1999 xlt 2.5l 5-speed Supercab 159k
83 diesel 2.2l na
06 F250 6.0l psd
{click for lol}

Thanks for the response.

Yep, it's only when rolling or driving at slower speeds. When very hot out and coming off an exit ramp it will be a louder, constant squeal when I approach the light or stop sign.

I've done research and have came across people having trouble with the front pinion seals breaking? It sounds like rubber sliding and pressing against metal that's making the noise. This isn't a new sound and the mechanics said it wasn't dangerous. But it sure is annoying as hell.

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could be...worth a moment to check it out! i'm all about taking shit apart lol!
plus i'd like to hear if it's the pinion seals - i've never had to deal with them before

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1999 xlt 2.5l 5-speed Supercab 159k
83 diesel 2.2l na
06 F250 6.0l psd
{click for lol}

Me too. I'm kind of a rookie when it comes to automotive repair but I think it's a lot of fun.. I think I've found a new hobby!

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welcome to the club

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1999 xlt 2.5l 5-speed Supercab 159k
83 diesel 2.2l na
06 F250 6.0l psd
{click for lol}

This is a photo of the side of the truck the noise seems to be coming from:

ForumRunner_20120915_220638.jpg

Could that wet spot be indicative or evidence of a broken/bad pinion seal?

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well, to me, it doesn't look like an excessive leak or anything...somebody else would have to chime in.
sorry Gerard, i wish i could help more.

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1999 xlt 2.5l 5-speed Supercab 159k
83 diesel 2.2l na
06 F250 6.0l psd
{click for lol}

No problem. Thank you very much anyway!

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Anyone?

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Check your wheel bearings.

I bet that's the problem.

--1993 ford ranger ext cab 3.0 v6--

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1993 ford ranger 3.0 v6

sounds like a wheel bearing to me. mine sounded the same when they went bad.

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x2 on the wheel bearing

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2021 F150 5.0 Screw

Past:18 F150 2.7, 16 F150 5.0, 14 F150 5.0, 07 F150 5.4, 03 Ranger 4.0

Master Certified Ford Parts / Warranty Admin

the way i understand it, it's not terribly hard to take the hub off of a 4wd ranger. you could just take a look at them, and repack them with grease. could tell you a lot about the issue.

lol, then you'd probly have to take it back apart and replace the bearings anyway!
yeah, go pick up some timkens and grease, and make an evening out of it!

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1999 xlt 2.5l 5-speed Supercab 159k
83 diesel 2.2l na
06 F250 6.0l psd
{click for lol}

You ever figure this out?

Sent from my iPhone 5 so I can tell you to search wherever I may be

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2017 Lightning Blue Mustang GT PP 430/402
CJ Pony Parts Lowering Springs | Texas Speed Longtubes | PMAS CAI | Lund Tuned | Borla S-Type Catback
2013 F150 FX4 5.0 - Sold
1998 Jeep Wrangler TJ 4.0 5spd - Sold
2001 Mustang Bullitt - Sold
2005 Level II - Sold
2001 Integra GSR - Sold
1999 XLT - May 2013 TOTM - Totaled