Squealing Noise April 01, 2006, 01:59:19 pm Yahoo Message Number: 64862Just returned from our first outing in our new to us 2001 MB. This was a leisurely trip from PA to GA to visit daughter and back. Met three other LDer along the way. This trip was long enough - 2 1/2 weeks- for us to get to know that we had made the right decision in buying a LD.About a week into the trip we started to get a squealing noise at low speeds. Maybe it was there at higher speeds but couldn't hear it. I could hear the noise up to about 15 mph. It sounded like the breaks or maybe a bearing. This noise was not present when applying the breaks. Applying the breaks firmly would make the noise go away for a short period of time. I also noticed that when we started out in the morning the noise was not there but after driving for awhile it came back. Any ideas? We live in an area with limited mechanical options. The local Ford dealer doesn't repair trucks and has refered us to an independant who does. I don't like going in for repairs without an idea of what is wrong. In the past this has just given the shop an open invitation to just start replacing things hoping that they have it right. Your help is appreaciated.Peter and Jan Brodereick
Re: Squealing Noise Reply #1 – April 01, 2006, 03:14:18 pm Yahoo Message Number: 64867QuoteAbout a week into the trip we started to get a squealing noise at low speeds. Maybe it was there at higher speeds but couldn't hear it. I could hear the noise up to about 15 mph. It sounded like the breaks or maybe a bearing. This noise was not present when applying the breaks. Applying the breaks firmly would make the noise go away for a short period of time. I also noticed that when we started out in the morning the noise was not there but after driving for awhile it came back. It's worth checking the simple possibilities first. Turn the wheels to one lock for inspection, then the other lock to check the other wheel. Look for debris hooked onto the caliper or suspension that could be rubbing.Steve
Re: Squealing Noise Reply #2 – April 01, 2006, 05:04:19 pm Yahoo Message Number: 64869Quote About a week into the trip we started to get a squealing noise at low speeds. Maybe it was there at higher speeds but couldn't hear it. I could hear the noise up to about 15 mph. It sounded like the breaks or maybe a bearing. This noise was not present when applying the breaks. Applying the breaks firmly would make the noise go away for a short period of time. I also noticed that when we started out in the morning the noise was not there but after driving for awhile it came back.Quote Any ideas? We live in an area with limited mechanical options. The local Ford dealer doesn't repair trucks and has refered us to an Quoteindependant who does. I don't like going in for repairs without an idea of what is wrong. In the past this has just given the shop an open invitation to just start replacing things hoping that they have it right. Your help is appreaciated.QuotePeter and Jan Brodereick Hello Peter and Jan,Your squealing noise sounds exactly like the problem I had with my 2003 LD. Diagnosing this became quite an ordeal. I was convinced I had a caliper that was sticking; the dealer thought it was the rotors. After replacing rotors and rear calipers the noise was still present. The fact that the noise is not present when you first start out was problematic for me and the dealership. It seems that you need to get some heat built up in the brake pads in order to have the noise start up. And like your noise, it was only evident at low speeds. After changing lots of parts, it turned out to be that the rear brake pads were the source of the problem. And its not that there was anything really wrong with them, it was only some noise that was created by what the mechanic called "heat spots" on the pads. After putting new pads on the rear wheels the noise was finally gone. I was fortunate that the Ford dealer did the work under warranty. It was never determined why these spots appeared on my pads; there were no signs of the brakes being overheated. Frankly, I wouldn't be surprised if the noise came back when these pads have many miles on them too.If I were you, I would have a competent repair center do a brake inspection of your rig. They can advise you about how much brake pad you have remaining. And since your rig is now 5 years old, the caliper slide rails may need to be lubricated as well. This item is often overlooked as its not clearly listed in the Ford maintenance section of the owner's manual.Good luck, Steve K. (enjoying Spring in Ohio)
Re: Squealing Noise Reply #3 – April 01, 2006, 07:13:51 pm Yahoo Message Number: 64876Quote ---> If I were you, I would have a competent repair center do a brake inspection of your rig. They can advise you about how much brake pad you have remaining. And since your rig is now 5 years old, the caliper slide rails may need to be lubricated as well. This item is often overlooked as its not clearly listed in the Ford maintenance section of the owner's manual.Good luck, Steve K. (enjoying Spring in Ohio) Thanks to all. I will start with a good visual inspection tomorrow during the daylight. I hope it is that simple an issue.Steve K.(enjoying Spring in Ohio) our problems do seem similar. Since I'm out of warranty what you experienced is what I don't want to happen. To change all those parts and still have the problem is big bucks. I'll make an appointment next week and make sure I have a good discussion with the manager about guranteeing the work before they begin.I was talking to a fellow this afternoon about this issue. He stated he had a similar sound with a 4 wheel drive pick-up. Turned out to be a universal joint. Any opinions?Peter B. (enjoying Spring in PA)
Re: Squealing Noise Reply #4 – April 02, 2006, 12:14:10 pm Yahoo Message Number: 64891QuoteThanks to all. I will start with a good visual inspection tomorrow during the daylight. I hope it is that simple an issue.Steve K.,our problems do seem similar. Since I'm out of warranty what you experienced is what I don't want to happen. To change all those parts and still have the problem is big bucks. I'll make an appointment next week and make sure I have a good discussion with the manager about guranteeing the work before they begin. QuoteI was talking to a fellow this afternoon about this issue. He stated he had a similar sound with a 4 wheel drive pick-up. Turned out to be a universal joint. Any opinions? Peter B. (enjoying Spring in PA) Hello again Peter B. The noises that you and I have experienced are so similar that I would be willing to wage a few $$$ that the source is the same. Since your noise disappears when you apply the brakes, I would think that eliminates the universal joint as a suspect. The way I understand this, if there is some problem with the calipers, brake pads, and rotors, the noises are genererated by vibrations that create noise much like a tunning fork makes noise by vibrating.If you want to try and determine this before visiting a repair facility, I would drive the rig far enough to get the brakes warm. Remember that since the brake pads do make some slight contact with the rotors even when the brakes are not applied, just driving it a few miles will generate the heat needed for the squeal to begin. So take a drive with a partner that is willing to drive the rig for you; find a large parking lot that will allow the rig to be driven a those low speeds that have caused the squeal. Get out and have the other driver drive slowly past you and listen for the noise. You will probably hear it right at the wheels.Good luck, Steve K.
Re: Squealing Noise Reply #5 – April 03, 2006, 12:11:40 am Yahoo Message Number: 64933It sounded like the Quotebreaks or maybe a bearing. This noise was not present when applying the breaks. .Peter and Jan Brodereick Peter and Jan, before you go to a lot of trouble try removing the wheel covers(rear) and reinstalling them. Many on this list have had problems with the wheel covers making noise like a wheel bearing going out. I followed this procedure and it cured the problem completely. Remember there are only two chrome lug nuts, on the wheel cover, that are active. Make sure you use the tool supplied by LD. You can tell which ones by thumping them with a knuckle on one of your fingers-- there's probably a better way.Good Luck John K
Re: Squealing Noise Reply #6 – April 03, 2006, 04:29:17 am Yahoo Message Number: 64943Quote About a week into the trip we started to get a squealing noise at low speeds. Maybe it was there at higher speeds but couldn't hear it. I could hear the noise up to about 15 mph. It sounded like the breaks or maybe a bearing. This noise was not present when applying the breaks. Applying the breaks firmly would make the noise go away for a short period of time. > Peter and Jan Brodereick,I will relate to you my experience and some reading I have done regarding squeaking noises by several possible causes:1) WHEEL BEARING - If this is the cause, it definitely should be checked out and corrected. On my old '67 Corvette I had this problem 2 times. Both times squeaky sound for weeks before failure. Chevy dealer refused to work on just a squeaky sound (circa mid 70s). One failure was a frozen wheel collapsed, other failure caused wheel to come off and was rolling down the freeway ahead of me while I skidded to a stop on the parts that remained on the car.2) BRAKE CALLIPER I read that it is common on RVs for the brake calliper rails that the calipers use to grip and release to rust if the RV sits unused for a period of time. This can cause the callipers to not fully release. Because your sound goes away when you press on the brake one might suspect that this could be the cause in your case.3) WARPED BRAKE ROTOR DISC With my last squeak problem this was mentioned as a possible cause. Overheating the brakes on a long mountain downgrade was suggested as a possible cause of warping. Avoid this problem by using a Low gear for engine breakage on long downgrades. I would guess that the big rotors on the E-450 would be expensive.4) DRIVESHAFT BEARING My nearby Ford dealer, Kearney Mesa Ford in San Diego, does a lot of RV and truck work. I brought my 2003 26.5 foot MB LD in a few weeks ago and mentioned a low speed squeak that I thought was comming from the right front wheel. Applying the brakes did not change the sound. They put an array of microphones on the LD and pinpointed the cause of the squeak as being from the drive shaft bearing. They sent the driveshaft out to be rebalanced and (I guess) replaced the bearing. No more squeak. All done under warranty. I am quite pleased with their work. Previously, I did not know that microphones could be used or that there was a driveshaft bearing.5) DRIVESHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINTS Had a squeak in the camper van that we used for 10 years. Sound was equal from both sides was a clue that it was not a wheel. Relatively low cost to get the U-joints replaced. SUMMARY I would encourage you to find the mechanical help you need to get the problem resolved. A squeak can be a symptom of a major problem to follow. A lost wheel or a loose driveshaft knocking around could be a major problem.Ken in San Diego
Re: Squealing Noise Reply #7 – April 03, 2006, 11:14:52 am Yahoo Message Number: 64948planld2003 wrote: I will relate to you my experience and some reading I have done regarding squeaking noises by several possible causes: --- Thanks for the "squeak run-down", Ken. My 2003 23.5' sometimes (it's not consistently audible) has a rhythmic "chirpy" sound (sounds like it's coming from the right front) when the coach first starts moving. It seems to disappear as the speed increases, but it may be that the sound is still there and I'm not hearing it because of the engine/road noise. I will have all the things on your list checked out when I take the rig in for service.Joan
Re: Squealing Noise...now driveshaft bearing Reply #8 – April 03, 2006, 12:18:28 pm Yahoo Message Number: 64951Quote4) DRIVESHAFT BEARING My nearby Ford dealer, Kearney Mesa Ford in San Diego, does a lot of RV and truck work. I brought my 2003 26.5 foot MB LD in a few weeks ago and mentioned a low speed squeak that I thought was comming from the right front wheel. Applying the brakes did not change the sound. They put an array of microphones on the LD and pinpointed the cause of the squeak as being from the drive shaft bearing. They sent the driveshaft out to be rebalanced and (I guess) replaced the bearing. No more squeak. All done under warranty. I am quite pleased with their work. Previously, I did not know that microphones could be used or that there was a driveshaft bearing.My 2003 also had this driveshaft bearing fail while driving to Alaska. In Canada they refer to this part as a "steady bearing", in the USA the Ford dealers call it a "carrier bearing". On long rigs like ours, the driveshaft is in two pieces; Ford installs a stabilizer/bearing on the front driveshaft. Apparently this part requires no maintenance but it can dry out and start squealing. Ford dealer in Whitehorse, Yukon Territories diagnossed if for us quite easily. No squeal at low speeds, say pulling from a stop, until we would reach a speed of around 15-20 mph. Then it would squeal quite loudly. It almost sounded like a police siren. In fact, when our started squealing I thought I was about to get a speeding ticket and pulled over! Now its time to put in a plug for a service place that did a great job for us. The above Ford dealer (in Whitehorse) was not able repair us for several days but the service manager did spend about an hour calling every repair place in town trying to find someone who could do the repair; this was on a Friday afternoon. I can't say enough kind things about the guys at Fountain Tire in Whitehorse. Not only did they go out of their way to repair our rig that day, they were most reasonable with the costs. And you can sure feel vulnerable when in that situation! So, if you find yourself in Whitehorse and need help with tires or a repair, these guys (Fountain Tire) were great!Steve K.
Re: Squealing Noise Reply #9 – April 03, 2006, 12:20:31 pm Yahoo Message Number: 64952Quote planld2003 wrote: I will relate to you my experience and some reading I have done regarding squeaking noises by several possible causes: --- Thanks for the "squeak run-down", Ken. My 2003 23.5' sometimes (it's Quotenot consistently audible) has a rhythmic "chirpy" sound (sounds like it's coming from the right front) when the coach first starts moving. QuoteIt seems to disappear as the speed increases, but it may be that the sound is still there and I'm not hearing it because of the engine/road Quotenoise. I will have all the things on your list checked out when I take the rig in for service. Joan, the chirping noise on your right side is most probably your hubcap creaking. I have the same condition that drove me nuts. A little "Tire Shine" foam around the edges when washing the rig does the trick.I reasoned that the front wheel is flexing when it starts rolling. When you take it in for inspection, ask the technician about it.Terry (Temporarily Lazydazeless)
Re: Squealing Noise Reply #10 – April 03, 2006, 12:46:10 pm Yahoo Message Number: 64954Quoteproblems with the wheel covers making noise like a wheel bearing going out. I followed this procedure and it cured the problem completely.Remember there are only two chrome lug nuts, on the wheel cover, that are active. Make sure you use the tool supplied by LD. You can tell which ones by thumping them with a knuckle on one of your fingers-- there's probably a better way.Good Luck John K The two (keeper) nuts that hold the hubcap have a fake chrome cover over them. They look like the other nuts but have dimples on the sides. Grab those dimpled covers and wiggle them off. They will reveal the sleeve (keeper) nuts that hold onto the cap. Yes, I pried the living daylights out of the right side before I gave up.Terry in L.A. (23.5TK)
Re: Squealing Noise Reply #11 – April 03, 2006, 03:11:21 pm Yahoo Message Number: 64958"Terry Terzian" wrote: Joan, the chirping noise on your right side is most probably your hubcap creaking. --- It could be the wheel cover; I've removed all of them a few times in the past and cleaned the covers and the wheels and then sprayed/rubbed a little silicone spray around the outer rims of the wheel covers (where they contact the wheel) before replacing them. I will put that maintenance task on my list, and get to it if it ever stops raining here. :0Joan
squealing noise Reply #12 – April 01, 2006, 02:29:01 pm Yahoo Message Number: 64863Hi there, On our 2001 that noise was the wear indicator on the brakes. Evidentally when the wear gets so far, it starts the noise. After replacing our brakes it went away.Cookie Old 2001 new 2006 on order
Squealing Noise Reply #13 – April 01, 2006, 02:43:57 pm Yahoo Message Number: 64864happen to work in a wholesale autoparts distribution center on Saturdays (I fill in, this was my career until recently). I pulled a set of the front brake pads (FMSI # D655) and the rear pads (FMSI # D411), neither of which carry wear sensors (a very common cause of brake noise when the brakes are not applied, but goes away when applied. Both use large guide clips for the pads to ride against. These distort with age (similar to a spring steel, they go through many heat cycles) and no longer hold the pad as firmly, allowing slight movement (vibration is noise). I doubt this is a wheel bearing issue, as that noise typically gets worse with speed, and can become very noticable. You do not need an RV mechanic, just any mechanic that can handle your vehicle (anyone that services the local delivery trucks and such. Ask them to inspect the brakes. Your braking system is very simple, and very common. If you have any more questions, feel free to contact me directly (email me, I will be happy to give you my cell phone # if that would help).ken wannabe in the Los Angeles area
Re: [Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Squealing Noise Reply #14 – April 01, 2006, 11:30:01 pm Yahoo Message Number: 64885Usually there is a notable vibration associated with a failing u-joint. As you have not noted this, I would doubt it is a u-joint problem. Possible, but highly unlikely.ken wannabe in Los Angeles
Re: [Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Squealing Noise Reply #15 – April 02, 2006, 01:07:27 pm Yahoo Message Number: 64894Fantastic advice Steve. All too often we have trouble hearing where a sound is coming from while driving, but you have given great advice, that many members could use. And I would not take your bet, I too think that you are correct. The brakes do not have to be warn out to create these noises. One last piece of advice, please do not take short-cuts when installing brake parts. Pads for this vehicle range in price from $20 - $100. More expensive does not necessarily mean better, but a quality shop will steer you in the best direction. You would be amazed at how many repair shops always specify the least expensive parts, even on fleet vehicles. My $ would go into pads that are specified as 'Severe Duty' and from one of the major name brands. Not strictly for the life span of the pads, but for the pedal feel (nice 'bite') and the resistance to fade. In a panic stop from freeway speeds, just a few feet shorter can make a huge difference, and paying a few $ more for quality parts is far better than risking injury.Just my view. But I spend most of my time on a sport motorcycle (Moto Guzzi) with fantastic brakes.ken wannabe in Los Angeles
squealing noise Reply #16 – April 01, 2006, 02:44:04 pm Yahoo Message Number: 64865As pads have gone through many heat cycles, thier propensity toward noise increases. There are phycically no wear sensors on these pads. Front or rear (I looked at the pads a few minutes ago(I am in a wholesale auto parts as I type this)).ken wannabe in Los Angeles-----
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