click from front driver's wheel

[lparsons]

I've noticed a speed-based click coming from my front driver's side wheel lately. My first guess was the wheel bearing, as I had done the front passenger side recently and figured the front driver's side would be coming due soon.
However, I noticed that the sound seems to go away when I am braking. The sound is usually most noticeable around 30-35 mph. By speed-based, I mean the frequency of the click increases with vehicle speed.
I just thought I'd query the list with this one before I get the car up on jacks this weekend...
One other odd thing - the car is currently pulling somewhat to the right. I'm not sure if this is related or not, as it is the opposite of what I would expect if the wheel bearing was failing on the driver's side.

thanks

 

[1TallMF]

you didn't convert your car to FWD did you

j/k

How are the rotors looking? I had a similar problem on another car, replaced both front wheel bearings and the clicking/grinding was still there. Turns out the brake pads were rubbing a small patch of rust on the top edge of the rotor on each revolution. Put new rotors and pads on and the sound was gone.

As for pulling to the right, that might be another issue altogether. Check the inner tie rod ends.

 

[lparsons]

you didn't convert your car to FWD did you

j/k

I think ford already tried to do that for us years ago... though i don't think it went too well for them ...

How are the rotors looking? I had a similar problem on another car, replaced both front wheel bearings and the clicking/grinding was still there. Turns out the brake pads were rubbing a small patch of rust on the top edge of the rotor on each revolution. Put new rotors and pads on and the sound was gone.

I'll take a look at the rotors then. It occurred to me more recently that the front driver's was the one that I was able to do myself, before bringing my car in for what became the worst brake job ever: http://parsonsfamily.boldlygoingnowhere.org/~lparsons/bad_businesses/kost_tire.html

So it may be that the rotor I put in did manage to acquire some rust. Thankfully I have another one in my garage...

As for pulling to the right, that might be another issue altogether. Check the inner tie rod ends.

I presume I would need an alignment shop to check that? I don't know how to check the tie rods myself, and I certainly don't have an alignment rack to do the alignment after replacing the tie rods...

thanks