Squeaking noise driving me nuts from the front wheel

[NovaPath]

So I've got what sounds almost like a rubberized squeaking noise coming from the front left wheel. I have manual hubs, so it should not be the cv axle, and I have tested it with the hubs locked or unlocked and it makes no difference. The noise is speed dependent, but on one drive it may do it at speeds under 5mph, the next may do it from speeds from 10-30mph, and the next drive may do it not at all. It is definitely rotational though as the "frequency" of the squeak increases with speed. Also, the time of the drive determines how loud the squeak is, and at about the 30minute mark it becomes quiet but then starts squeaking louder once you are on the road past an hour.

 

I've checked and replaced the brake pads with all proper anti squeal etc, and if I tap the breaks the noise still does not go away which leads me to believe it must be the bearing. I have checked the bearing for play, there is none. I have spun the wheel and the wheel seems to move smoothly with no binding. Short of just removing the caliper, and subsequent rotor and bearing assembly simply to repack and put together, does anyone have any easier suggestions to try?

 

At this point I just don't want the wheel to pass me as I'm driving down the highway!

 

Thanks in advance,

-Ryan

[Kingman]

Sounds like dry bearings, or worn out washed out grease. I would inspect and re-pack them first thing and make sure the grease seal isn't leaking or dry. If there's any sign of trouble replace them.

[Precise1]

Your squealing nuts are making your wheel... what?

 

Definitely look at the wheel bearings, but if they are dry/bad enough to squeal, I doubt they'd feel fine rotating. (you can check the front just by removing the hub and nut/lock washer, not the entire hub/rotor/caliper)

 

Check the caliper bolts, look to make sure you don't have a rock or some other road debris wedged in between the rotor and the caliper/shield, and when you replaced the pads, did you lube the slide pins too?

Do they use road salt in your area, so are things corroded?

Another thing would be to do a quick brake bleed. If you have some air, it can be under compression and not allow the caliper to back off the rotor properly...

 

B