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howling in front end

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Old May 2, 2011 | 01:00 PM
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howling in front end

I have a howling or grinding in left front.I replaced hub was not it.Gets louder when left hand turn and nothing when making right hand turn.Could it be cv joint
 
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Old May 2, 2011 | 05:43 PM
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i would guess the other wheel bearing/ hub.
 
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Old May 2, 2011 | 09:37 PM
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Does the sound change when applying the brakes? Are you certain that it's coming from the front? Which hub/bearing assembly did you replace? Based on when it makes the noise, I would have started with replacing the right bearing since it would be under load on left hand turns.

-Rod
 
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Old May 2, 2011 | 11:59 PM
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Does not make difference when applying brakes.Sound starts at about 25mph and stays there going up in speed and stops when you stop.But you get no sound from right side just left side.I have had my blazer bearings go bad and does not sound lake that.Could it be cv joint or just replace right side.Thanks
 
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Old May 3, 2011 | 06:51 AM
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Generally a worn outer CV joint would make noise when turning and a worn inner CV joint will make noise on brisk acceleration. A worn CV joint generally will not make noise just cruising down the road. As far as you're aware, has this truck ever had a damaged CV boot on the left side of the truck that was repaired rather than a remanufactured halfshaft being installed?

Without being able to hear the sound, I'd still be leaning towards wheel bearing, but if you have a local acquaintance that is pretty experienced with car repair, you may want to have them go for a ride and give their opinion.

Have you checked the front suspension for any looseness? What year is this truck/does it have independent rear suspension?

-Rod
 
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Old May 3, 2011 | 07:16 AM
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I think that Rod is right on the money.
A bad wheel bearing sounds much like the "howl" from an open tread design like a mud-terrain. That's what I always compare it to. Had bad wheel bearings on my '92 Expl and such was the case.
 
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Old May 3, 2011 | 07:54 AM
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nothing ever replaced its my mother inlaws 120 000 2002 explorer On my way to get bearing.Thanks
 
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Old May 3, 2011 | 10:39 AM
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Worked was right bearing.Thanks to all.
 
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Old May 3, 2011 | 11:05 AM
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Glad you got it fixed!
 
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Old May 3, 2011 | 09:14 PM
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not a sure bet, but thats the best bet when you hear howling.
 
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Old May 3, 2011 | 09:59 PM
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Glad to hear you got it fixed. It must not have been too difficult to replace. Thank you for the follow-up!

-Rod
 
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Old Aug 14, 2014 | 06:12 PM
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My 2004 explorer makes the same noise, but mine stops when I turn left and howls more when I urn right. I replaced the hub and still doing the same thing
 
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