I have a 96 Dakota, 4x4 318 automatic.
I am getting an occasional, very loud whine from what sounds like the front drivers side wheels, only at high speeds (65+)
The best way I know how to describe it is that is sounds like someone put a piece of metal on a lathe and is turning it. It does it sporadically, as if someone was hitting the metal on the lathe every few seconds and just holding it for a second or two.
Sometimes I think it pulls to that side a little when it makes the noise, but it is so slight I cannot decide if it is in my head.
No issues at all below those speeds.
Thanks!

 

how are your brakes?
have you checked them?

 

New rotors and pads in the front.
New shoes in the back and recently had the drums turned and replaced the springs.

 

Easy way to check is to lift the front end of your truck and free spin the wheels. They should move smoothly and soundfree. If thats fine then disassamble your brakes and sand down the edges. Even the tiniest edge on your pad can cause a squeel when brake dust builds up. Also would be a good time to check to make sure nothing in your caliper is seizing(Sliders/Piston)

 

Will definitely try the free spin.
The thing is, this sound has happened occasionally for a long time. Through multiple pad changes, and even different rotors.
The stumper is that it only happens at high speeds. I would have thought anything caused by brakes or bearings would have happened, maybe with different symptoms, but at all speeds.

 

Do you grease your sliders when you do your brakes?
Something to try might be one of those anti squeel products.

 

When you say grease the sliders, do you mean the caliper bolts?
Usually when I change the pads, there is some grease I buy that goers on the back of the pads, I usually apply that.

 

Sounds like a sticky caliper, especially with the slight pull to the side and the fact that you've pretty much eliminated everything else.

Unless there's something funky going on in the ABS system? But I'd replace the caliper first. And of course check the wheel for play in case it is in fact the bearing.

Ivan

 

Do you apply it to the caliper bolts? You should always grease your caliper bolts when doing your blacks.

 

thanks for all the ideas. I will pick up some of that grease this week and grease the caliper bolts, see if that takes care of it.