2010 Expedition 4x4 - occasional "scraping" noise

IIGood

Founding Member
Aug 1, 1998
4,252
1,286
224
Churchton, MD
My 2010 Expedition with 4WD will randomly produce what I can only describe as a metallic scraping noise from the front driver's wheel area once in a while. It happens usually while accelerating and when I let off the throttle, the noise stops.

I can't "make" it happen though, and there's seemingly no rhyme or reason as to why/when it happens. It is pretty infrequent though in that I may only hear it once every few weeks. I typically have it in 2WD mode driving around.

Any ideas what it could be? Its done it since I've owned it since last November.

It doesn't throw any codes while its happening either. I want to take it in but its so random and infrequent that I'm afraid it couldn't get properly diagnosed if it doesn't happen while they have it.
 
  • Sponsors (?)


I nearly always begin scraping noise troubleshooting with [brakes].

Replace the pads. I don't even want to know how old they are. If they are metallic pads, replace them with non-metallic (even if OEM calls for it). Look closely at the inner pads (particularly front left (I dunno why exactly it just happens)) for brake indicator clips touching the disk surface.

This noise generally only manifests when the brakes are good an hot. Sometimes it happens only when the brakes are applied and other times only [after] the brakes are released. It also sometimes makes itself known in low-speed turns. Let the car sit for a while and you won't hear it again for a week sometimes.

Other indications: Once you've heard this intermittent noise, get a temperature reading (I just placed my hand on the wheel) of the brake parts. These components feel warmer than usual when the noise occurs vs. the times that it doesn't.

Other thoughts: Often represents itself to mechanically minded people as a CV-Joint issue (nightmare), Transfer case issue (nightmare), or Traction Lock issue (also a nightmare), or wheel bearing issue (time-consuming).
 
My 2010 Expedition with 4WD will randomly produce what I can only describe as a metallic scraping noise from the front driver's wheel area once in a while. It happens usually while accelerating and when I let off the throttle, the noise stops.

I can't "make" it happen though, and there's seemingly no rhyme or reason as to why/when it happens. It is pretty infrequent though in that I may only hear it once every few weeks. I typically have it in 2WD mode driving around.

Any ideas what it could be? Its done it since I've owned it since last November.

It doesn't throw any codes while its happening either. I want to take it in but its so random and infrequent that I'm afraid it couldn't get properly diagnosed if it doesn't happen while they have it.
Check your IWE on that side.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

He has better tech info than Ford Motor Company on their own damned products, and specializes in F150/Expedition issues.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user