Rear Wheel Squeal

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Cal2121
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Rear Wheel Squeal

Post by Cal2121 »

I have a 68 Ford F250 CS, 360 with the Dana 60 rear end.

For a while I have been hearing a small intermittent squealing/squeaking from the rear of the truck when driving. Recently, it became constant and is much louder. It doesn't sound like a brake drag (i.e., a grinding squeak). I jacked up the rear end and spun each rear wheel. It is definitely coming from the rear driver's side wheel. Could hear it plain as day when I spun the wheel. Any idea on how I can further diagnose the issue? I'm pretty handy, but it's my understanding the rear axles are sealed. Maybe something better for a mechanic.

Thanks for any help.
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sargentrs
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Re: Rear Wheel Squeal

Post by sargentrs »

While there are seals at the ends of the rear axles, they are not "sealed" as in modern drivelines. I would suggest removing the brake drums and spinning the axles to see if it's brake related or bearing related. You may also be able to feel the problem while you're turning the axle with your hand on it, if it's bearing related.
Randy
1970 F100 Sport Custom Limited LWB, 302cid, 3 on the tree. NO A/C, NO P/S, NO P/B. Currently in 1000 pcs while rebuilding. Project thread: http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 22&t=59995 Plan: 351w, C4, LSD, pwr front disc, p/s, a/c, bucket seats, new interior and paint.
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Cal2121
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Re: Rear Wheel Squeal

Post by Cal2121 »

Thank you for that information. I'm definitely handy enough to do that. Hoping it is a simple fix!
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colnago
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Re: Rear Wheel Squeal

Post by colnago »

Just a heads-up that if you have an F250 CS, you have a "floating rear axle". In order to get into it, you will have to pull the axle out, then you can take the brake drum and wheel off. It's definitely something you can do yourself, as long as you go into it expecting everything to fight back (starting with a big honkin' socket for the lock nut).

Been there, done that.

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sargentrs
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Re: Rear Wheel Squeal

Post by sargentrs »

Sorry, I should have read a little closer. I have an F100 so it's a lot simpler than the F250 CS. Before going to that trouble, I'd take a stick or wooden dowel about 2 ft long and use it for a stethoscope to narrow down where it's coming from. Put your thumb over the end of the stick and place your thumbnail in your ear canal. Have somebody spin the wheel while you move the other end of the stick around the brake drum, wheel bearing, brake backing plate and axle housing. You'll be able to tell pretty closely where it's coming from.
Randy
1970 F100 Sport Custom Limited LWB, 302cid, 3 on the tree. NO A/C, NO P/S, NO P/B. Currently in 1000 pcs while rebuilding. Project thread: http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 22&t=59995 Plan: 351w, C4, LSD, pwr front disc, p/s, a/c, bucket seats, new interior and paint.
1987 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0/C6 auto.
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1972hiboy
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Re: Rear Wheel Squeal

Post by 1972hiboy »

what ive seen most of is parking brake cables rubbing on the drum and the arm that clips to the secondary shoe that allows the starwheel to ratchet comes loose and rubs on the drum. either way your going to have to pull the axle shaft, bearings and hub/drum assembly off for visual inspection.
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Cal2121
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Re: Rear Wheel Squeal

Post by Cal2121 »

Thank you all very much. If I was to take it to a mechanic, any idea on time/cost for diagnosis? Might be a little much for me to do in my garage.

Thanks again.
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Re: Rear Wheel Squeal

Post by Cal2121 »

I had the issue looked at by a mechanic. He said the bearings were completely dry and toasted and the likely culprit was a washer type thing with locking tabs. Said the tabs on both sides had sheared off, which allowed the nuts to loosen a bit. In any event, he's replacing the bearings, races, etc. Cost about $900! Not what I was hoping for.
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