Wheel squeal.

[NYtoCALI]

OBX non SAS - OEM 18” off. Ford steel with 285/70R 17 on. Have noticed a slight squeal in the wheels after leaving parked for a few hours or a day. Move 50 feet, apply the brakes and squeal stops but comes back after releasing the brakes. Is this due to brakes not designed for 285/70R17’s?
Seems like most new OBX have tire swaps within first 200 miles. Should I have concern for premature wheel bearing or hub failure?

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[Brian_B]

Not unusual - if what you are describing is what I am thinking of - I think it's just a bit of surface rust that gets on the rotor, and first couple of times you hit the brakes it gets worn off (and the squeak goes away).

Bronco isn't the only vehicle I've had it in, and it always goes away after the first time or two you hit the brake.

 

[NYtoCALI]

Not unusual - if what you are describing is what I am thinking of - I think it's just a bit of surface rust that gets on the rotor, and first couple of times you hit the brakes it gets worn off (and the squeak goes away).

Bronco isn't the only vehicle I've had it in, and it always goes away after the first time or two you hit the brake.

Good points Brian. You’re probably right. Just seems to stand out more with bronco braking system. I’m just curious if the 285/70R 17 vs OEM 255’s will affect wheel bearing or hub longevity. I’m assuming Ford doesn’t take into account after sale wheel change.

 

[the poacher]

Good points Brian. You’re probably right. Just seems to stand out more with bronco braking system. I’m just curious if the 285/70R 17 vs OEM 255’s will affect wheel bearing or hub longevity. I’m assuming Ford doesn’t take into account after sale wheel change.

Going from 255's to 285's will have little effect on your wheel bearings/hub longevity. Enjoy the look of your now manly Bronco!

 

[Brian_B]

Good points Brian. You’re probably right. Just seems to stand out more with bronco braking system. I’m just curious if the 285/70R 17 vs OEM 255’s will affect wheel bearing or hub longevity. I’m assuming Ford doesn’t take into account after sale wheel change.

Well, they do write "Lift Me Baby" in the wheel wells. So I imagine they do consider that people are going to do things like replace the tires. But they can't account for everything - you go and put 40" tires on there, and yeah, some things are going to get stressed.

Most people are doing steering rack and suspension upgrades when they start getting into bigger tires, but the general opinion seems to be it's only really needed once you start exceeding 35" and/or are adding lift in excess of 2". The SASs and WTs come with 35's stock, after all. 285/70r17 is stock size on BL (and maybe a few other trim levels) - I think you'll be ok unless you are doing some extreme stuff or have paired it with a >2" lift.

I haven't heard of reoccurring any issues with wheel bearings or anything - the big one is tie rod/steering rack, followed by suspension to keep geometry on axles in line.

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