brakes? hubs?

Well, kind of hard to diag remotely, but here's a few thoughts.

First, is it 2wd, or 4 / Awd ? I only ask because you specifically say "hubs" which implies 4 / AWD. If it is a 2wd, and you replaced the rotors, assuming you inspected the bearings or replaced them, and packed them properly that shouldn't be an issue. If it's 4 / AWD it *could * be a CV / or bearing, but what you are describing doesn't *really* sound like that. But it's hard to say.

One thing I will add though. The quality / type of brake pads. I know it sounds strange, but I have run into a Ranger, 2 Explorers, and an F150 that were all doing the same thing. A grinding, metal to metal sound *just* as you slowed to a stop at a light / sign. Not all the time, but usually if you stopped kind of slowly.

Inspection of the pads / rotors didn't really reveal anything except the pad surface seemed a bit "gritty". Anyway, I installed a higher end pad, and in every case, the problem disappeared. I have to assume that there is / was a certain compound that the chain parts stores were using that was total junk . I *believe* these were bought at Autozone (at least one set that I know of ).

Anyway, you might try tossing on another set of pads before you dive in too deep. Just a thought!

good luck with it.

Chief,

Alright, you just made me pick my jaw up off the ground. First off, it is AWD. I will check the bearings and stuff this weekend, but from what I've heard, it doesn't *really* sound like it either. What surprised me was when you mentioned the quality of brake pad. I DID buy a lower quality of brake pad from AUTOZONE only because they were out of the more expensive kind. The symptoms you're explaining is EXACTLY what's happening to my truck. Would you suggest buying the more expensive brakes from Autozone or get the brakes from Ford themselves? Anyway, thanks for the reply Chief. I'll let you know how things go this weekend. Thanks again!

Nate

Hi Nate,

I installed pads from NAPA (Bendix brand, Ceramix type) and they work great. They even emit less black dust which keeps your wheels clean. Be sure to use the anti rattle backing plate and goop that they include. This stops vibration/squeeks.

Ted

First, is it 2wd, or 4 / Awd ? I only ask because you specifically say "hubs" which implies 4 / AWD. If it is a 2wd, and you replaced the rotors, assuming you inspected the bearings or replaced them, and packed them properly that shouldn't be an issue. If it's 4 / AWD it *could * be a CV / or bearing, but what you are describing doesn't *really* sound like that. But it's hard to say.

One thing I will add though. The quality / type of brake pads. I know it sounds strange, but I have run into a Ranger, 2 Explorers, and an F150 that were all doing the same thing. A grinding, metal to metal sound *just* as you slowed to a stop at a light / sign. Not all the time, but usually if you stopped kind of slowly.

Inspection of the pads / rotors didn't really reveal anything except the pad surface seemed a bit "gritty". Anyway, I installed a higher end pad, and in every case, the problem disappeared. I have to assume that there is / was a certain compound that the chain parts stores were using that was total junk . I *believe* these were bought at Autozone (at least one set that I know of ).

Anyway, you might try tossing on another set of pads before you dive in too deep. Just a thought!

good luck with it.

I didn't notice the pistons. That will be my next check if I have the same problem. What I did so far is, I went to the Ford dealer and bought a set of pads from them. Went ahead and put them on, and day two I'm still not hearing anything. I'll give it a few more days or even a week before I call it a success, but so far I'm pretty happy. Thanks for the advice though. That's something I never even thought about. Thanks.