Was getting a noise & slight vibration (steering wheel) on my 03 2wd 5 speed ranger.
Pulled the wheels & saw that the brake pads were pretty much DONE.

Replaced pads (ceramic) & cleaned/repacked wheel bearings.(bearings look OK)

After 1500 miles..the noise is still there,maybe a bit more noticeable....MORE so at 30mph that 70mph...

Are my wheel bearings DONE?......... truck has just over 100K.......

I did NOT use any anti-squeal goo on the pads as they have the thin pads the on the back already...

Any input is appreciated.

 

Well the easiest way to find out it to pull the rosters. You should have done that anyways when you were working on your breaks.

Edit: didn't notice you did check bearings... Sounds like you overtightened the rotators. .

 

if you did rotors you probably over tightened the bearings.

 

OK,that's easy to fix........I'll back them off a notch & HOPE I haven't damaged them...

As I recall,I just snugged the big nut up enough to seat the bearing,backed it off & tightened it enough to take up any play.

That's what the Haynes book says....Not the right way???

 

No that's the right way... Maybe you packed them wrong?? Or dirt got in them or something? What kind of noise is it exactly?

 

At 30 mph it's almost like a low pitched growl...and when you apply the brakes...it makes a mild grinding noise..........at freeway speeds when you turn the wheel slightly it alters the pitch....

How much spindle stub should be protruding PAST the big nut?
That will tell me if my bearing are seated too deep....

 

Is it from both sides? Maybe your pads are rubbing on your Rotors?

 

What about those caliper guide/slides.....wonder if they are hanging up?

 

OK,the noise got a whole lot WORSE on Saturday morning.......which is what I was kinda waiting/hoping for.

Jacked up the front & the right front was the culprit.......inner wheel bearing.

I had just cleaned/inspected & re/packed about a month ago.

$12.00 later & we're back on the road......wish they were all the simple (&cheap to fix)

 

Glad to see it wasn't anything to serious!