Chirping Noise from one of the wheels

FORD BRONCO
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ROCKSTAR1960
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Ford Bronco 1990 V8 351 101,000 miles

The drive train and 4 wheel drive works fine. However, when I am traveling in the vehicle with the windows down. I can hear what seems to be a metal to metal "chirping" sound that is more of a squeak than a rub. I don't think it is associated with the brakes.

thanks
Apr 3, 2007 at 12:11 PM
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PEPPERMRJ
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Not the brake squeeler? Check the bushings on the sway bar.

Does it increase or decrease with speed?


Good hunting and let us know. :)
Apr 3, 2007 at 8:05 PM
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ROCKSTAR1960
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It seems as though the noise is associated with the spinning of the wheels. The brakes are the first thing on the list to be adrdressed. But having done a fair amount of brake work I don't think this is the problem. I guess another order of the day would be to grease the undercarriage. Thanks for any and all info.

bf
Apr 5, 2007 at 12:33 PM
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PEPPERMRJ
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Hey Bf,
If it is associated with the wheels spinning def check the brakes. A small pepple or piece of rust on the pads, a bent backing plate, a misaligned brake squeeler, or even the pads themselves ( recoat the back of the pads with disc brake quiet). Other than that wheel bearings?

Good hunting and let us know. :)
peppermrj
Apr 5, 2007 at 12:45 PM
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ROCKSTAR1960
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Mr pepper.

Two great ideas on the backing plate and the brake quiet. OTR and won't be able to pull the wheels until tomorrow. First rulle of the day. I'll keep you all posted.

thanx again,
bf
Apr 5, 2007 at 3:05 PM
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ROCKSTAR1960
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Pulled the wheels and replaced what appeared to me to be two sets of perfectly fine front brakes. Based on the description of the ones I replaced (to my father in law) I may have put a lesser pair on :(. However, by using the brake lube along with a newer set the noise is gone. Kudos for the troubleshoot.

Next Prob. Smelling oil. I saw in an earlier post, PCV valve. I did this along with the crankcase filter and the air filter. It seemed better but I still get a minor whiff. Saw about the valve job and that makes me shudder. Although at 101K (1990 Bronco) I guess it's not beyond the realm of possibility. Is there any other way to determine if u need a valve job?

Thanks again.

bf
Apr 7, 2007 at 9:37 AM
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PEPPERMRJ
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Keep the pads for the next brake job. Congrats on your fix.
As far as the oil smell I would look for leaks. First place is the valve covers seeping onto the exhaust manifold.

Valve seals would result in burning oil and some smoke from the tailpipe.They can be replaced with the heads on the vehicle using shop air. Leaks are more likely.
A compression or better yet a leak down test will tell the tale on the condition of the cylinders.

Good luck and let us know. :)
peppemrj
Apr 7, 2007 at 1:40 PM