Light Chirp From Front Wheel

I've noticed lately (around speeds of 0-10mph, may be doing it above but I cannot hear it), I have a very light intermitent chirp coming from what sounds like my front left wheel. Like I said I can only hear it at very low speeds, it sounds like the noise comes from every 1 rotation of the wheel. It's not a solid squeal or whine, it's just a semi quiet chirp, chirp, chirp. I pulled the wheel and the brake pad seems ok, but I did notice a minor smudge/scuff pattern on the rotor, I don't see anything between the pad and the rotor (which are almost new), and I'm not really sure if that's what causing the noise, may of been a previous piece of dirt in there. Anyone have any ideas for me? Thanks.

Could be the wear indicator on the inside pad?

do you have the abs recall taken care off yet?

Brakes only have <8k miles on them, and the ABS recall was taken care of last week. I was in a big hurry yesterday so I was kinda stomp and go, slam on the brakes, stomp and go etc... After a while of my brakes heating up, the chirp became an almost constant squeal/whistle at any speed, louder when the truck leaned to the other side. After it sat for 10 mins and stuff cooled down it went away, I'm thinking it might be a brake pad now, but I'd also like to know how I killed one in under 8k miles.

i have that same problem. its driving me crazy

That sounds like something's rubbing the rotor to me..?

I would have your front wheel bearings checked. I had the recall fixed a couple of weeks ago too, and this past weekend on an out of state trip, my right, front bearing went. It started as a chirp, and got progressively worse. I had to replace the left too, as the dealer said it was on it's way out. For the record, I got hosed on the parts.

I would have your front wheel bearings checked. I had the recall fixed a couple of weeks ago too, and this past weekend on an out of state trip, my right, front bearing went. It started as a chirp, and got progressively worse. I had to replace the left too, as the dealer said it was on it's way out. For the record, I got hosed on the parts.

If you don't mind me asking how much did it cost you?

Worn front wheel bearings or a warped rotor are the most likely culprits. Be sure the brake line/hose isn't kinked or twisted, also.

Like you I get annoyed by the slightest abnormal noise in my truck (Ford Ranger). But other than the annoying chirp noise, any other problems with the wheel. If not, just keep a watch whether there is any change in the level or quality of noise. I don't think it's the bearing because bearing problems usually are detected at high speeds. I am also assuming that it has been determined that the rotors are not warped and none of the brake components is rubbing on the rotor.

Like you I get annoyed by the slightest abnormal noise in my truck (Ford Ranger). But other than the annoying chirp noise, any other problems with the wheel. If not, just keep a watch whether there is any change in the level or quality of noise. I don't think it's the bearing because bearing problems usually are detected at high speeds. I am also assuming that it has been determined that the rotors are not warped and none of the brake components is rubbing on the rotor.


I did some investigating today and found that it seems the brake pad is just ever so slightly tapping on the rotor at one point in the revolution of the wheel. The louder noise was caused when the pads were scorching hot (I was really testing them) and they most likely just expanded from the heat and caused more to rub. While investigating this, I played with the wheel a little bit and found that my drag links off the tie rods are VERY sloppy and in need of replacement. I had a friend of mine (mechanic) call his sources, cheapest quality replacements for it is $140 something for driver side, $138 for passenger side. I'm gonna grab someone at GM, punch them repeatedly in the face, pluck their eye brows and nose hairs one by one with tweezers, knee them in the crotch. That's about how I feel right now. When is someone at GM going to realize that the quality has fallen, bounced off of China and got stuck somewhere between here and hell!!