Noise from front, left
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Richmond, Texas
Noise from front, left
I tried reading through other threads, but didn't find any problems that exactly matched mine. This noise, which is a whinning/squealing/kinda-rubbing noise, sounds to be coming from around the front, left wheel. It started about a week ago when I would drive over any type of dip that would cause the wheel to maybe drop just a little into the dip. The noise was only lasting 1/2 a second or so, but yesterday it happened more frequently and would last up to 10 seconds. I've heard it in a wide range of temperatures, but yesterday was the coldest day we've had in a while. I thought maybe the cold had something to do with it, but this morning it didn't happen at all. It's probably an easy issue, but I'm lost. I've had bearings go out and that's not what this sounds like.
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Joined: Jul 2006
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Could be bad wheel bearing or spindle bearing if it is a 4wd. I just changed my front wheel bearings and they were making a noise when turning. With ac on I could not hear it. Only when moving truck to shop with windows open and ac off could I hear it in a turn. If it is a bad bearing you don't want it to fail while driving. I would pull the wheel and check it out.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Richmond, Texas
I'll check the bearings, but don't believe that's the problem. Like I said, I've had bearings go out in the past and it's not the same noise. This noise is louder and it comes-and-goes very distinctivly. It's almost like driving on rumble strips, but without the vibration and maybe not quite as loud.
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From: VA
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Kiowa CO
Try jacking up the truck and grabbing the tire and see if there is any play. Lots of play may be a bad ball joint. Also, like what Barry suggested, is your 4x4 hubs locked or stuck?
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Postmaster
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From: VA
What about when you hit a bump? Does it seem start/stop when you hit a bump and keep on going? If so, those are the same symptoms as my steering damper. Go out and check the damper, make sure theres no fluid or anything leaking from it.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Richmond, Texas
We think we found the problem. The plastic or rubber pads on the front leaf springs are gone and the leaves are rubbing each other. Also found that I have to replace all the ball joints AGAIN. Going to replace the shocks and u-joints while we have it all apart.
Anybody know where to get those pads for the leaf springs?
Anybody know where to get those pads for the leaf springs?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Rio Rico, AZ.
I'll check the bearings, but don't believe that's the problem. Like I said, I've had bearings go out in the past and it's not the same noise. This noise is louder and it comes-and-goes very distinctivly. It's almost like driving on rumble strips, but without the vibration and maybe not quite as loud.
The description that I give customers on the phone is that it is like driving on a grated bridge deck.
The kind that you can see the river through the road bed if you look down while you are crossing it. If you are on a motorcycle and fall off the bike, it will be like falling on a cheese grater at 60 mph.
Again, classic symptoms of a bad wheel bearing.
All it takes is a little tiny chip in the surface of the bearing for it to sound like the wheel is getting ready to fall off.
We think we found the problem. The plastic or rubber pads on the front leaf springs are gone and the leaves are rubbing each other. Also found that I have to replace all the ball joints AGAIN. Going to replace the shocks and u-joints while we have it all apart.
Anybody know where to get those pads for the leaf springs?
Anybody know where to get those pads for the leaf springs?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2006
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Classic symptoms of a bad wheel bearing.
The description that I give customers on the phone is that it is like driving on a grated bridge deck.
The kind that you can see the river through the road bed if you look down while you are crossing it. If you are on a motorcycle and fall off the bike, it will be like falling on a cheese grater at 60 mph.
You are alternately loading and unloading the bad spot on the wheel bearing race.
Again, classic symptoms of a bad wheel bearing.
All it takes is a little tiny chip in the surface of the bearing for it to sound like the wheel is getting ready to fall off.
Add these to the list as you are replacing the wheel bearings.
The description that I give customers on the phone is that it is like driving on a grated bridge deck.
The kind that you can see the river through the road bed if you look down while you are crossing it. If you are on a motorcycle and fall off the bike, it will be like falling on a cheese grater at 60 mph.
You are alternately loading and unloading the bad spot on the wheel bearing race.
Again, classic symptoms of a bad wheel bearing.
All it takes is a little tiny chip in the surface of the bearing for it to sound like the wheel is getting ready to fall off.
Add these to the list as you are replacing the wheel bearings.
.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 335
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From: Richmond, Texas
Ok, I checked again. The right bearing is bad. The left bearing didn't make any noise when i spun the wheel. Any recommendations on a replacement?
Also, anyone know about these "pads" between the leaves of the leaf springs?
Also, anyone know about these "pads" between the leaves of the leaf springs?