Hey gang. I am sure this belongs in anther forum but you guys are more knowledgeable than most. I have a front end noise that reminds me of when the front wheel bearings went on my old Miata.

The sound is a bit of a humming noise from the front passenger side that gets louder as speed increases. If I corner hard (as much as you can in a 9000# SUV) to th
e right the noise gets quieter or even goes away. To the left, louder. When my Miata did this it was because the wheel bearing was worn and turning one way took weight off the wheel and turning the other way placed more weight on it.

I looked around yesterday and I could find front wheel bearings for a 2wd but not 4wd. Any ideas or help is much appreciated.

 

If this truck is a 4WD .... put it in 4WD and see if the noise goes away... If it does.. Its more than likely the needle bearings on the main bearing assembly... You can get the needle bearing seperately or you can get the whole bearing assembly in one piece.. Check your Lordco dealer or napa.. I found that they have the better price on these units.. should be around 250-300 for the complete unit.. Hope that helps a bit !! Do a search in this forum.. there has been many discussions about it !!! Someone might have a link to other posts.. i can't find it !!!

Russ

 

Wheel bearings are common issues with these front ends... My buddy did a full kit on his front end that came with new spindles, upgraded inner and outter bearings and WARN manual locking hubs. It cost a little bit more but well worth. Especially now since he can use 2wd low since the hubs dont auto lock! I'll try and get ahold of him and find out where he got the kit from...

 

Nolan, I'll just take yours....

 

HA HA HA you think your funny!!!!! lol Ill trade you my front axle for you new volvo

 

My 99 did the same thing. I found the assembly at the zone for mid $200. Much cheaper than most and it was a timken.

 

The kit I was talking is from dynatrac, its not cheap but worth the $...

 

I just did this job last week. Replaced both front hubs. Expensive but my noise is gone.

Do the lock the hubs trick like Russ advised. If the noise goes away then you've found the problem.

If you do not want to replace the entire hub assembly you can replace just the needle bearings.

The part number for the needle bearings is: C6TZ-3123-A

You will also need:

1ea F81Z-4A322-AA seal
1ea 4C3Z-1K106-AA o-ring kit

This is to do one side. If doing both sides double your quantities.

 

Thanks, I will look into getting the listed items ASAP.

 

Here's the instructions:

Welcome to guzzle's 4x4 Needle Bearing Maintenance Web Page

 

Yeah I hunted that down a little bit ago. I am thinking of just replacing the bearing if I can get away with it. The cost factor always comes into play when fuel is $4.299.

 

So I locked my hubs this morning before coming to work and sure enough... Much better. its still there but very little. Like maybe 5% of what the noise was.

 

Thats what it is then.... You have to replace that bearing !! Now..... that bearing went out for a reason.... usually its because you have a vaccum hose thats leaking and putting water and dirt in there,.... Be sure to check your hoses that go into that knuckle... Better yet ! get some warn manual hubs and plug off those vacc lines.. hahaha !! More money !!!

 

Russ, if you read my sig, you would know I have no money. J/K, my hubs actually do work. I am probably just going to replace the bearings because new uppipes are on my list right now.

 

Sounds good.... But when you're in there... really check for the condition of things... If its quite rusty and there's a bunch of grit in there.. You MAY have a vacc leak in the hose.. Just check it out and make sure everything is good or you will take out your new bearings as well !!!!! Also if you have a vacc leak.. your heater and defrost vents won't work smoothly... thats another way to know if you have a leak.. !!! Hope all that helps ya out !!!