Squealing noise after rear axle/brake work

[Laura]

I have a 1999 Ford Ranger XLT 4×4.

I just replaced my rear axle bearings, oil seals, and brake shoes.

Now the truck is making a loud high pitched squealing sound while driving forward. The noise goes away when I apply the brakes. There is no squealing noise while driving in reverse.

My suspicion is the brake shoes. Could I have adjusted them too close to the drum? But if it’s the shoes, why wouldn’t they make noise while driving in reverse?

Would love any insight/ideas anyone has before I go through the process of removing the rear wheels again.

Thanks!

Topic

[Richard Kirshy]

Might try putting the back end up on sturdy stands and see if you can replicate the noise in the driveway.
Then you’ll may have better luck pinpointing the source.

[Cody]

Brake noises can definitely be directional. When rear brakes get bad it’s very common for them to make noise only in reverse. I’d start with the brakes.

[Laura]

As it turns out, the solution couldn’t be simple…

I was having issues with my parking brake not allowing one of the shoes to release all the way, so that was the very loud squeal.

I replaced my rear parking brake cables which were sticking, and continued to hear a strange squealing noise! Although slightly different.

As it turns out, one of my front wheel bearings decided now would be a good time to start going bad and squealing.

2 different squeals. Gotta love 20 year old trucks…

[Author]

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