Brake / Wheel Bearing Noise?

[slashbinslashbash]

I've got a noise coming from the driver side front wheel of my 2001 RWD Ford Ranger. It started off as like a whispering "psst psst psst" that would happen every once in a while while driving (not necessarily while braking). It has gotten a little louder and more frequent now, and seems to be more connected to braking (although it still sometimes makes the sound when not braking). It does not seem to be connected to driving speed or steering input. It is not particularly loud or "screechy", at least not yet. Although it is loud enough that I can hear it at highway speeds.

Any ideas? I thought that it might be my brakes getting close to replacement, but the fact that it happens when I'm not braking make me think not. Wheel bearing?

 

[jlee]

A failing wheel bearing will generally change in tone/volume during higher speed turns (left vs right) as the load on the bearing changes.

 

[slashbinslashbash]

A failing wheel bearing will generally change in tone/volume during higher speed turns (left vs right) as the load on the bearing changes.

Yeah, I figured something like that would be the case, and I haven't noticed any difference in the sound when turning either direction, whether at high or low speeds.

 

[JCH13]

Take the wheel off and have a look...

Candidates would include:
Shock/strut
Brakes, especially if pads are sticking in the caliper
Dust shield
Loose spindle nut (this would cause the brake rotor to contact the caliper/pad when brakes aren't applied)
Bad bushings

Take pictures if/when you do it.

 

[deathBOB]

Does it change with speed? Does it go away when the brake is applied?

 

[Squeetard]

Calipers have a scraper on them that makes noise when your brake pads get low.

 

[Bardock]

Do the bearing test. Put the corner on a jack stand and have someone hold the steering wheel in place, and try to jiggle the wheel and see if it moves. With a good bearing there should be no jiggling or wobbling no matter what you do. If you see movement, replace the bearing. Some cars it's easier than others, my car they are pressed into the hub.

 

[mindless1]

Probably a shot brake pad and a warped rotor.

 

[slashbinslashbash]

Thanks guys. After a few weks it has gotten more consistently tied to applying the brakes. I will have them checked out soon.

 

[MongGrel]

Calipers have a scraper on them that makes noise when your brake pads get low.

this.