Owners of 2005-07 two-wheel-drive F-250 and F-350 Super Duty pickups built before July 21, 2016, may come into your store with a complaint of a humming or grinding sound from the front axles while driving on the open road.
One probable source of the noise, reports Ford, is a worn front wheel bearing. The bearing wears prematurely due to water, sand and other road debris getting into the roller cage via the grease seal. The problem can occur at one or both sides of the truck.
Replacing the bad bearing and installing an updated disc brake shield that incorporates a protective foam seal to keep out the elements should prevent further noise issues.
Order part No. 7C3Z-2B159-B for the right-side disc shield, part No. 7C3Z-2B159-A for the left-side shield.
"Factory Fixes" is written by Jim DePalma, a 30-year veteran of the auto repair business who has served stints as a service manager, parts manager and ASE-certified technician. His column provides vehicle manufacturers' authentic factory technical service bulletins (TSBs) that have been condensed for easier reading. Mr. DePalma advises that techs always check with a dealer or repair information system for the latest revisions before starting to work on a vehicle. He can be reached via e-mail at [email protected].