noises at the front hub
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 45
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From: Corolla, NC
noises at the front hub
I've got a 99 F250 Super Duty with 170K on it. I use Four wheel drive daily at home but I just had to come out to the mountains for a few days. Last night I got a little vibration on the front end out of nowhere. I jacked up the truck this morning and the the driver front wheel is making some noises when you turn it like a bearing but the truck isn't pulling to one side at all when driving. I did find though if I lock the hubs (I have full manual) It doesn't make any noise at all and drives completely normal. So do I just need a new hub there on the drivers side?
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 361
Likes: 0
From: Eagle River, Alaska
170k seems allot on a set of hubs at any rate. Closer inspection, including some disassembly sounds to be in order. My rig at 70k has a growl on the drivers side, I fear to be a hub set as well. As far as your mention that the rig doesn't pull, It could be a yet thing? Oh yea, my sound seems to go away locked in as well but, early bearing failure may be like that. With the hub being manipulated by the front axle. Not really sure, Hope many reply, as I'm no pro. Best wishes
New User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Try taking the hub out. its fairly easy if its a manual. A little more complicated if auto. Then you can turn the driver side tire and here if the problem is still there. If it is, it could be the main bearings.
Check the hub for grinding noise - it will be loose - dont worry about that. With the hub out, try also turning the front drive shaft with your hand and listen for noises. There is a bearing inside the front spindle that supports the front drive axle that went bad in my F250. That caused the drive axle to move a bit and begin grinding at the hub splines.
Also check for noises from the front diff. Its often hard to hear where the noise comes from. Try refilling the front diff is there are any noises that are not obvious. Too many visits to the lube stores (they keep opening to show you your fluid color and sell you something) and you will be low on front diff fluid.
Check the hub for grinding noise - it will be loose - dont worry about that. With the hub out, try also turning the front drive shaft with your hand and listen for noises. There is a bearing inside the front spindle that supports the front drive axle that went bad in my F250. That caused the drive axle to move a bit and begin grinding at the hub splines.
Also check for noises from the front diff. Its often hard to hear where the noise comes from. Try refilling the front diff is there are any noises that are not obvious. Too many visits to the lube stores (they keep opening to show you your fluid color and sell you something) and you will be low on front diff fluid.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 17,988
Likes: 207
From: La La Land
Take a look at Guzzle's site for maintenance of the needle bearings.
Welcome to guzzle's 4x4 Needle Bearing Maintenance Web Page
The fact that the noise goes away when the hubs are locked is the key here.
To prevent any additional damage until you can get into them, keep the hubs locked.
The needle bearings are available for about ten bucks a side from Napa. Guzzle has the part number on his site, NAPA-B2110.
Pop
Welcome to guzzle's 4x4 Needle Bearing Maintenance Web Page
The fact that the noise goes away when the hubs are locked is the key here.
To prevent any additional damage until you can get into them, keep the hubs locked.
The needle bearings are available for about ten bucks a side from Napa. Guzzle has the part number on his site, NAPA-B2110.
Pop
