front hubs ringing?

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Aug 25, 2011 | 02:56 PM

3cv

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From: Austin, Tx

front hubs ringing?

So I've pulled a 30' TT a couple times, never to actually get to use it, only to get it home, take it to the shop, take it to get out of state title verified and registered etc...

I had heard a couple times some ringing almost from what I thought was the front passenger side. Kinda like a wet finger on a class rim kinda ring. Its definitely worse towing and since the first tow. Sometimes its a solid ringing sometimes it chirps according to speed.

Doesn't change with brake pedal, it seems to maybe change with turning but its not easy to make it come and go.

I've lifted the wheels they turn freely. Not dragging the axle or making any obvious noises.

Only had the truck a few months, no idea about the age of the hubs, if the needle bearings ever got attention, etc. Any reason to not suspect the hubs are calling for replacement?

Aug 25, 2011 | 04:47 PM

dchamberlain

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From: Scio, OR

First make sure the hubs are not locked. You should be able to reach around and turn the front axle u-joint without the turning the wheel.

If they're both free, manually lock the hubs and drive it that way for awhile. If the problem goes away it is probably the hub lock or the needle bearings.

Aug 25, 2011 | 05:26 PM

3cv

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From: Austin, Tx

They turn freely when lifted and I can turn the axles by hand when wheels on the ground.

So if I lock the hubs the needle bearings are still in motion but the sealed part is not, if I understand the logic there.

Thanks.

Aug 25, 2011 | 05:34 PM

dchamberlain

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From: Scio, OR

The needle bearings carry the axle stub shaft through the main unit bearing. When the hubs are unlocked, the unit bearing is turning but the axle is not, so if the needle bearings are dry or worn, there can be friction and noise. When the hubs are locked, the axle shaft and unit bearing are turning together, so no friction or noise.

Aug 25, 2011 | 06:10 PM

3cv

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From: Austin, Tx

great, I'll give that a shot

Aug 26, 2011 | 04:38 PM

3cv

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From: Austin, Tx

So no change with it in 4wd. It changes pitch and pulses based on speed.

Aug 26, 2011 | 05:34 PM

dchamberlain

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From: Scio, OR

It's probably a bearing somewhere. Or it might be something in one of the disk brakes. The problem with sounds is that they are often not coming from where you think they are.

I would start checking for hot spots after driving for awhile. Check bearing hubs, front and rear, and the disks.