Recent Feedback
Driving downhill 30-35 mph i heard a grating metal on metal sound quickly getting louder and worse coming from the right rear side of the van. I slowed up immediately, pulling off onto a side street-got out and checked area around back rear tire, saw nothing visible to the eye. Krept home about 1/2 mile sound could be heard when increasing speed even slightly, getting worse as speed increased. Stayed at about 3 mph until reaching home.
Country: United StatesMake: MercuryModel: VillagerYear: 1998 Already Tried: visual inspection of rear shocks, may be originals ...van has aprox 157000 miles on it, recent cv joint boot replacement and front axle repair by Les Schwaab last December. Four new tires were purchased and put on by Discount Tires last December. Took Van into Les Schwaab about a 12 days ago, said, struts need replacing. Need to find paper work for more detailed and accurate work that has been done as described below to facilitate problem solving with you. Thank you for your help... Dave.
Hello and welcome to Justanswer,My name is XXXXX XXXXX X am here to assist you with your question.Did the noise change while breaking?
As I slowed the van by breaking the metal on metal grading sound lessened.
From what your describing and with the amount of miles I would suspect a possible wheel bearing concern. The place to start is raise the van and remove the tires and inspect the wheel bearing as well as the breaks . A bad wheel bearing will feel rough and may even have some play in it while turning the axle. As long as the struts are not broken and mounted they should not make this type of noise your describing.
I'll do what you have suggested. I don't believe it was the breaks, as I have heard what sound a low disc pad will make on the brake drum, this sound was not like this. Do you have any recommendations for a ASE Certified Technician in my local area of Bellevue Washington that you would recommend, in the 98008 zip code? I don't believe I have the necessary tools and equipment to do this job on my own. I may have to tow it as well, as i am afraid I would do more damage to the vehicle if I drove it any more.
Unfortunately I do not have access to any shops in your area but any good ASE shop can do this inspection and repair as needed. I would agree, because it could very well be a safety concern, I would have the Van towed to the shop and not drive it.
"A bad wheel bearing will feel rough and may even have some play in it while turning the axle" If it is a bad wheel bearing. What kind of costs would I expect to incure if I did take it to a ASE certified technician?Is there anything else you can describe to me more fully regarding the possible solution of a bad wheel bearing?
The bearing is serviced as the Hub assembly and it list for right at $114.00 and the labor to install both side runs 1.5 hours.
Part Of Hub.
Thank you. Is there anything else you may be able to tell me that may help?
It most likely going to be a wheel bearing so that is the place to sart . Thank you as well.
Experience: ASE Certs and Ford Certs