2007 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4 front end loud roaring noise

[Krk2]

My Ranger has 149,000 miles on it and it has a terrible roar in the front end. It has a 4 inch lift that was on it when I purchased it. It originally had mud grip tires that were just about worn out. I replaced those tires with an all terrain tire. It still roars and it gets louder with speed. It also makes a squeaking noise when I go over a speed bump. Can anyone steer me in the right direction? Any responses or ideas will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Uncle Gump]

It probably needs front wheel bearings.

I would jack the front of the truck up and see if there is any movement in them. Chances are you will be able to feel the tire wiggle.

Be aware... there are many junk bearings on the market today. It will be tempting to buy the cheap ones... but spend up and buy quality bearings.

 

[Krk2]

It probably needs front wheel bearings.

I would jack the front of the truck up and see if there is any movement in them. Chances are you will be able to feel the tire wiggle.

Be aware... there are many junk bearings on the market today. It will be tempting to buy the cheap ones... but spend up and buy quality bearings.

Thank you so much, I will definitely replace with quality hubs and bearings. If you don’t mind, what are some suggestions for quality parts?

 

[Uncle Gump]

SKF... Timken... and of course Motorcraft

 

[Krk2]

SKF... Timken... and of course Motorcraft

Thank you very much.

 

[JohnnyO]

Just an FYI, I've had bearings go bad and the wheel didn't wiggle. It is important to properly torque the hub nut, it takes something ridiculous like 185 ft. lb. Some shops and dealers will use an impact wrench to save time and it buggers up the bearing and the lifespan is much shorter.

 

[dvdswan]

and of course Motorboat.

FIFY

 

[Krk2]

Just an FYI, I've had bearings go bad and the wheel didn't wiggle. It is important to properly torque the hub nut, it takes something ridiculous like 185 ft. lb. Some shops and dealers will use an impact wrench to save time and it buggers up the bearing and the lifespan is much shorter.

Thanks for that info, both wheels on mine feel as if they have no play at all. I will make certain I torque the hub nut correctly. Thank you

 

[Jazzer]

If it’s a 2wd, the front wheel bearing nut is torqued closer to 17-18 INCH pounds, torque down tight by hand then release, torque down to 17-18 inch pounds. In the olden days we use to turn hand tight then 1/8 turn with a wrench.

-Jazzer

 

[Uncle Gump]

Yeah... you may not see a wiggle. I forget the tolerance but It's small... like less .005 inch or something.

You can also inspect the front and rear side of the bearing and see if they are puking grease... it will most likely be sticky/rusty goo around the hub and half shaft.

I'm can't say if it is the bearings for sure... the mileage is about right.

Running wider wheels and less back space also plays into wheel bearing wear.

 

[JohnnyO]

If it’s a 2wd, the front wheel bearing nut is torqued closer to 17-18 INCH pounds, torque down tight by hand then release, torque down to 17-18 inch pounds. In the olden days we use to turn hand tight then 1/8 turn with a wrench.

-Jazzer

True, I was assuming OP has a 4x4. Look up the correct torque spec for your model.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Title states 4x4...

It is helpful if members fill out their truck specs correctly in their profile.

 

[Curious Hound]

True, I was assuming OP has a 4x4. Look up the correct torque spec for your model.

There are 2 nuts. The inner nut sets the bearing pre-load. That nut gets just a few in-lbs. then the lock washer goes on and the outer lock nut gets 185+ ft-lbs to hold everything in place.

unless the truck has some newer style assembly.

 

[Uncle Gump]

07 4x4... IFS

 

[Krk2]

Yeah... you may not see a wiggle. I forget the tolerance but It's small... like less .005 inch or something.

You can also inspect the front and rear side of the bearing and see if they are puking grease... it will most likely be sticky/rusty goo around the hub and half shaft.

I'm can't say if it is the bearings for sure... the mileage is about right.

Running wider wheels and less back space also plays into wheel bearing wear.

I sure appreciate the info. I need to change the wheel bearings anyway. Hopefully I can get started this weekend. Thanks