Roaring front left wheel
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Roaring front left wheel
How can you tell if its the needle bearing or the hub bearing that needs to be replaced. After searching and reading it almost has to be one of the two with the symtoms my truck is having. Its worse now since I put my new tires on. I went from 265's to 285's and its more constant than before. Before it would come and go but now its pretty much constant except for left turns then it goes away. Their is no play in my wheel either. Hopefully you guys can shed some light. Thanks in advance.
Wes
Wes
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After reading a little more I'm pretty confused. Is the needle bearings the same as the hub bearings? I'm no master mechanic or even a good one but I get by. I'm trying not to let this front wheel brake my bank by taking it somewhere to be fixed. I would like to tackle it on my own. Any help would be great.
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Well you actually have both, a hub bearing that is a one unit sealed bearing, this is what the wieght of the truck sits on. There are also needle bearings on the inner side where your front axle slides through to the hub. more than likely if you went to a larger tire and the sound is more constant, then the hub bearing is bad, due to more force being applied on the hub. however when you purchase the hub unit, it comes with the new needle bearings inside. I'm not positive but I don't think you could just buy and install new needle bearings anyways.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: La La Land
Here's a good write-up on lubing the needle bearings:
http://guzzle.rbmicro.com/nblube.html
Even if you have to replace the hub, due to bad wheel bearings, that's included in that write-up.
Yes, the needle bearing is available separately. P/N's are:
Ford C6TZ-3123A or
NAPA B2110
Pop
http://guzzle.rbmicro.com/nblube.html
Even if you have to replace the hub, due to bad wheel bearings, that's included in that write-up.
Yes, the needle bearing is available separately. P/N's are:
Ford C6TZ-3123A or
NAPA B2110
Pop
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Grinding noise when turning
I had a grinding/howling noise on my 06 KR 4x4 only when turning left, even just changing lanes. It was most noticeable from about 20-50 mph but really was there at all speeds just got lower frequency when slow and drowned out by wind and road noise when fast. Did not change when in 4x4 or braking, only went away when the steering wheel was straight or turned right. I jacked up the front end and didn't feel any play or drag or hear noise when the wheels were spun. I took it to the dealer and it was theleft front wheel bearing/hub assembly. The dealer replaced it under warrany otherwise would have cost around $330 and the noise is gone. I hope this helps.
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From: Sunriver, Or
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My vote: Hub bearing shot requiring hub replacement. If it were the needle bearing which supports the axle stub shaft I would not expect the problem to go away with different turning angles. Not to say it can't be the needle bearings, just not likely.
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From: Long Island USA
With the hubs unlocked, reach around back of the wheel and turn the u-joint by hand.
It should be somewhat hard to get moving, but be smooth once it's turning. If it's gritty or ratchety, the needle bearing is dry or just plain shot.
If it is the inner spindle needle bearing, you can drive with the hubs locked and it won't hurt anything until you get it fixed.
It should be somewhat hard to get moving, but be smooth once it's turning. If it's gritty or ratchety, the needle bearing is dry or just plain shot.
If it is the inner spindle needle bearing, you can drive with the hubs locked and it won't hurt anything until you get it fixed.
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From: Spring Lake
The front left wheel bearing is on its way out on my big bad girl... when I was changing my ball joints I ran into complications with my ABS sensor and busted it. Ever since water and road nasties have been seeping in thru that little hole, and the first symptom something was wrong was when I'd lock in my front hubs i'd have dry bearing wine. Well about 7500 miles later I have that grumble coming from up there and the truck is pulling hard to the left which indicates to me that dry needle bearing on the axle has spread its disease to the rest of the bearings in the hub assembly.
If your truck is anything like mine, it's a good indication you're going to need a hub real soon. Start saving your pennies cuz thay aint cheap, and have fun pulling that sucker off if you drive in the snow/ salt water and its never been off before... I needed a 5-ton, 3 jaw puller, BFH, can of PB blaster, and an hour with the impact on that sucker before it's budge
If your truck is anything like mine, it's a good indication you're going to need a hub real soon. Start saving your pennies cuz thay aint cheap, and have fun pulling that sucker off if you drive in the snow/ salt water and its never been off before... I needed a 5-ton, 3 jaw puller, BFH, can of PB blaster, and an hour with the impact on that sucker before it's budge
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