Front left wheel humming

[Harry]

This is for an 03 expedition 4.6
The front left side hums as I drive. But when I make a sharp left turn it stops making that sound. I replaced the wheel bearing a year ago and that didn't help at all. Please help thank you..

 

[SafariGoneWrong]

If 4WD maybe a partially engaged Integrated Wheel End. That’s all I can think of except some weird tire thing.

 

[whtbronco]

Aside from the IWE it could also be the tire. If the tread is not wearing evenly they can really make some noise.

That said it does sound like a wheel bearing hub of course.

 

[Harry]

So chance are that the new wheel bearing was faulty?

 

[Harry]

Nope RWD. I changed the tire on that side but no luck

 

[whtbronco]

Well it certainly is possible the new bearing was faulty out of the box. I'm sure some brands are more likely to be faulty when new than others, but it can happen to any of course. I won't use bearings other than Timken or OEM if I can avoid it. I suggest jacking it up and spending some time troubleshooting, at least that's what I have to do.

I often spend a couple hours on multiple days trying to figure out an issue. This scenario is what taught me that turning wrenches is fairly easy from a mental perspective, it's the experience to diagnose/troubleshoot quickly and accurately that separates a DIY mechanic like me from a truly good mechanic.

To test the IWE you can jack up the wheel and pull a vacuum on the IWE. Then rotate the tire and see if the axle spins or any sound aside from a very light brake drag. You can pick up a vacuum pump fairly cheap or rent one from Advance Auto Parts. You can also start the engine to pull a vacuum, but it's so noisy it's hard to hear the bearing, IWE, axle etc...

 

[peeteri]

Well it certainly is possible the new bearing was faulty out of the box. I'm sure some brands are more likely to be faulty when new than others, but it can happen to any of course. I won't use bearings other than Timken or OEM if I can avoid it. I suggest jacking it up and spending some time troubleshooting, at least that's what I have to do.

I often spend a couple hours on multiple days trying to figure out an issue. This scenario is what taught me that turning wrenches is fairly easy from a mental perspective, it's the experience to diagnose/troubleshoot quickly and accurately that separates a DIY mechanic like me from a truly good mechanic.

To test the IWE you can jack up the wheel and pull a vacuum on the IWE. Then rotate the tire and see if the axle spins or any sound aside from a very light brake drag. You can pick up a vacuum pump fairly cheap or rent one from Advance Auto Parts. You can also start the engine to pull a vacuum, but it's so noisy it's hard to hear the bearing, IWE, axle etc...

RWD truck, so no IWEs.
Possible bad bearing.

 

[whtbronco]

Ahh okay, I did not notice the previous note on RWD. Yeah if you're sure it's the left front it must be the wheel bearing. I still think jacking it up and testing the wheel bearing for play and rotating the tire and listening is a good start. You mentioned the noise is reduced when turning left unloading the bearing, if the noise also increases as you turn right then I'd say the wheel bearing is the culprit.

I have had much better luck the last few years with OEM parts over aftermarket. I've also found some pretty good prices when I searched for a while. I got both front Motorcraft hubs for my '04 4WD Exp for $218, but it took a good bit of time and searching:

2003 - 2006 Ford Expedition Lincoln Navigator Front Wheel Hub 6L1Z1104D NEW OEM | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 2003 - 2006 Ford Expedition Lincoln Navigator Front Wheel Hub 6L1Z1104D NEW OEM at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

https://www.amazon.com/Motorcraft-HUB274-Wheel-Hub-Assembly/dp/B00J5BXPZM/ref=sr_1_1?crid=31E5EUDNRZXCL&keywords=6L1Z1104D&qid=1705771574&refinements=p_89%3AMotorcraft&rnid=2528832011&s=automotive&sprefix=6l1z1104d%2Cautomotive%2C129&sr=1-1#customerReviews

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=1118184&cc=1411108&pt=1636&jsn=535

At $95 it might be worth trying the Moog, but their quality has taken a real nose dive in recent years in my opinion:

More Information for MOOG 515042

 

[Doug Reed]

I have the same thing on my 04. It started when I put new more aggressive tires on it. They are also pretty cheap so the rubber compound probably isn't good either.

 

[pdmcneil]

I just saw this post for the first time. I have the same issue on an 06. It's a 2wd, bearing replaced, not the tire, not any of the suggestions I see here. I'm now wondering if it is in some way the power steering pump. I know it sounds crazy but when you you hear the moan when even slightly have the wheel turning right and completely go away when you turn the wheel just a little to the left, well.... I've changed the passenger bearing before and this doesn't sound the same, it almost sounds like it's under the hood.

 

[whtbronco]

The power steering pump growling/whining sounds very different than a wheel bearing or tire to me. If it was the power steering pump it should be the same noise you'd hear when turn the steering wheel until the spindle hits the stop(lock to lock so to speak) It does make me wonder when was the last time the power steering fluid was changed. I go a bit overboard, okay a whole crap load overboard, I change the power steering fluid every year. It's only 1 quart, it's easy and it makes me feel better.

 

[Drae]

Are you guys jacking the vehicle up and checking top to bottom wobble? It's been times where it seems to be one side creating the noise but it's actually the other side. Might as well check the back also. If affordable it's always best to replace wheel hub assemblies in pairs because the other side may not be far behind on failure. Sometimes you have to throw money at these old vehicles to eliminate things especially if you're able to save some money and do it yourself. Check for play in the upper and lower control arm bushings also.

 

[Yupster Dog]

If affordable it's always best to replace wheel hub assemblies in pairs because the other side may not be far behind on failure.

This ^

Also what is your time worth?
Second one will take half the time the first one did if you do it at the same time.