Since last week my 2008 FEH 4WD with 51K mile only has a new problem. When I brake at low speed, moments right before the time of stop, there is a loosing sound from the front wheel. It is strange that when I brake at neutral shift there is no such thing. The sound appears on both engine driving or EV mode.

I searched the forum and there are few threads talking the similar problem like this one:

https://www.greenhybrid.com/forums/f...-listen-30360/

But my sound is different, I have a low pitched click sound. Could it be a loose bolt on transimmsion mount assembly? Any suggestions?

 

I called Ford Dealer today and they charge $120 for diagnose only. Is it too expensive?

 

It sounds like this noise happens when the hybrid system switches from braking regeneration mode to braking with the mechanical brakes. This transition happens when speed drops below 3mph. All braking below 3mph is with the mechanical brakes only.

Sounds to me like something minor is wrong. Like a loose or sticking caliper. With such low mileage your FEH probably has never had brake work done. Things deteriorate on brakes even if they're not being used.

The $120 is ok IF they put that toward whatever repair is needed.

 

Thank you xspirit for your reply. I am thinking the exactly same reason but I don't have any ideas what kind of mechanical structure used for the transition. I will bring the truck to dealership for them to have a look then.

 

Today I took the truck to dealship and they said lots of bolts are loose. Specifically the front Lower cross member brace bolts are loose, to cause the noise. Tightening the bolts is $120 to fix the noise.

And they say the front brake rotors and pads need to be replaced. They also mention the AC is blow hot air. To diagnoses the AC cost $160 if I wanted, and repair cost another $500.

I don't want to fix AC now but selected to replace the brakes. total cost include the diagnosis, tightening bolts, brake pads and discs parts labor after tax is about $850 canadians dollars...

When I got my FEH, I found the AC is working fine. The reason it blow hot air is the setting temp is 25 Celsius while outside is 21 degree......when I adjust settings to 16 Celsius it immidiately blows cold air....

 

Sounds like you got off lucky. Hopefully your '08 FEH will be happy for a while now.

Within the last year, replacing the a/c lines that run under the body to the back end, two sway bar links, one outer tie rod, and one front wheel bearing, have cost me over $3200 cdn. In the last 3.5 years, it has also had: ambient temperature sensor, hvac blend door motor, updated SYNC software, water pump, brake job, replaced steering column under warranty, TPMS sensor, fixed many rear hatch water leaks, loose bolt in steering column coupler. I think the folks who built mine were having a bad day on the assembly line.