He guy's maybe someone can help me with this. I am noticing a high pitched squeal comming from my truck when driving. This is definitly metal on metal sound. It is not loud, but noticeable especially when next to a jersey wall or another vehicle. It is also not anymore prevelent on either side (same volume driver or passenger side, front or back) as far as I can tell. The noise is only there while moving (does not happen when sitting still at idle). It also does not go away with the brakes applied (same volume / pitch brakes applied or let go). It does increase / decrease pitch and volume slightly with speed. I have also tried (please don't flame me for this, I know it's not safe) turnning off the motor and coasting in neutral w/ clutch depressed down a hill while applying the brakes and letting off to see if it was brake noise, but it does not go away. Like I said it is constant with speed.

Any thoughts / suggestions? This has me stumped.

 

bump.

Anyone, anyone Bueller Bueller.

 

So coasting with the motor off, you still have the sound?

Are you sure the front pads are not down to the wear tab?

If you are sure the front brakes are ok...
I would check all rotating assembly's outside of the engine. CV's (if you are 4WD), both drive shafts, etc.

Basically anything that rotates. I am leaning towards front brakes on this one.

Good luck!

 

I checked the front brake pads and they have half of their life left. The wear tab is no where near touching. Back brakes (drum are 2yrs old)
I also can't pin point if it is indead comming from the front or back. Also it does not go away in or out of 4wd. Could the brakes be draging (lazy caliper)? But the sound does not change if I apply the brakes and keep the truck at speed (power braking while moving). How about wheel bearings? what are some signs that they are causing the sound other than taking the hub apart?

Thanks for the help

 

If it’s a wheel bearing, you will be able to move the wheel (while jacked up) in a castor/camber fashion. It could also be as simple as a small pebble that has wedged itself in the front pads.

Gosh, it’s hard to say over the net. Again, I would focus on the rotating assembly’s. Remember, your CV’s rotate even if you are out of 4WD (assuming you have the stock set-up).

I will let you know if I think of anything else.

 

I gotta agree, it is rather difficult to diagnose over the net.

Theory 1: a shim plate has dislodged from position from the back of a brake pad and is rubbing on the front rotor hub (look for a clear circular marking around the rotor hub and that might be the culprit).

Theory 2: could be wheel bearings, trying as someone said, lifting the vehicle on each end and push wheel in and out facing towards you (there really should be no play at all, and the manufactor specs of endplay for the bearings is not noticeable unless you use a dial indicator).

Theory 3: you have a mouse that is using the differential as a housing and each time you move, that pinion gear hits him and he starts squeaking "ouch ouch ouch!"

Can you describe the squeaking a bit, try having someone drive the vehicle while you stand outside and hear where it may be coming from. I really don't think a CV joint is culprit as they really don't squeak. Could it be a urethane bushing that is rubbing against something? Endlinks to the sway bar are not tight, shock absorber bushings are loose (but that wouldn't squeak too loudly). Even though you said you checked your low pad indicators (or what I like to call them, squealers) take them off and try driving with them off and see if that helps any.

 

Just to toss in something from left field; are you sure it's not alternator whine coming from the stereo?

Actually, I guess not since you said that it doesn't go away with the engine off.

I'll still toss this out there though...