Hey guys And gals!

About 14 months ago I had new front hubs, Warn manual hubs, all 4 balljoints, and both U joints installed on my truck.

I recently replaced my swaybar endinks as well.

I have this rattle sound in the front end that I cannot get rid of. I have just been dealing with it for the past year since I figured I should be fine with all the new parts and jsut figured it was the swaybar. Well after the new bushings and endlinks I still have the rattling.

Then this past week my brakes in front started to squeck and make a slight grind feel/noise. So I replaced my pads since the front rotors and calipers are new as of about 20 months ago. The pads were 50% gone but I replaced them anyway. The noise is still there. I took apart the hub and took a peek inside and the grease was all dried up and balled. So I re-lubed everything expecting some peice and quiet. Nope!

then a few days ago after going over some bumps suddenly there was a shuddering/grinding noise/feel. I didnt feel it in the steering wheel TOO much, I mostly felt it in the floor. I freaked out and flipped on 4WD while moving. The hubs were unlocked and as soon as I turned on 4WD the noise stopped. I then went back to 2WD. But it keeps happening randomly and as soon as I turn on 4WD the noise stops. In fear of some major damage I locked the front hubs and the noise hasnt come back yet but the rattling/rumbling sound is still there.

I need some help, It seems like its a hub issue but I have no idea really. I havent had time to take apart the hubs to see if there are any shavings yet. I am almost hoping there are since they are a lifetime warranty.

I do not have my stock hubs so I cant swap them back in for troubleshooting.

I think I covered everything, what do you all think???? I really want to get this figured out.

Thanks

 

Man, I'm thinking a bad hub bearing. I would jack up the truck and check for play asap.

 

That would suck............

Ill check it tomorrow. Its the timken hubs from the front end rebuild kit that powerstrokeshop.com offers. I hope that Ben would take care of this issue since its been going on since day one. I really hope that its not the hub, I REALLY donot want to have to take it all apart. Oh well.

 

I'm just guessing from what you said, but if that's the problem, at least you'll know what it was. Maybe somebody else will chime in with some other thoughts.

 

It's your needle bearing on the back side of unit bearing 20$ at napa,do both sides of axle.

 

Locking the hubs in is a test for the needle bearings. Have a look at this for the how to. click here

 

They are only a year old hubs. And I do not have an issue with the hubs locking. I have the Warn manual locking hubs, they lock/unlock with no problems. Reading on guzzles site, it looks like that is a different issue? I dunno, maybe im missing something.

I jacked that tire up and there is no play whatsoever. Its tight as can be and moves real smooth and freely.

I took some pics that may help, and a video.

I also took a sweet video with the video camera mounted to the truck pointing back at the ujoint on the pass side which is where I think the noise is mostly coming from. Only problem is, the power cord is at the shop and it ran out of battery so it will be later tonight that ill post that. I have to drive all the way to my shop.

Im working on the pics now.............

 

Video 1

 

I would start by checking the ujoints on the front driveshaft (one between the tcase and front axle) Then I would look at the inner axle bearings, (also known as needle bearings, as they sound more like your possible issue) The noise when going over bumps is most likely your leaf spring eye bushings. I remember when I got new springs, how much of a difference that made when I went over bumps. Im sure energy suspension or someone makes the spring eye bushings.

 

Looking at your video, it really looks like you need inner axle bearings, also referered to as needle bearings.

 

Not talking 4x4 hubs here. Talking Needle bearings.

 

Can needle bearings go bad that fast though? They only have about 10,000 miles on them. What is causing the bearings to go?

I wish I would have went with my instinct on this one, I should have sold the truck. I have spent as much in repairs as I have trying to pay it off in the last 2.5 years. Frustrating

I understand what your talking about, just trying to understand the problem techinically. Money is tight, and time is tighter so I just dont want to go head first into a project like replacing hubs or servicing needle bearings without knowing for sure that is the issue.

Only reason I keep going back to hubs is because, well, I dont know why really. Oh, its cheap and easy to fix. This looks like its going to be a real mother. The guy that did all the work got in a bad car accident and had to close his shop so he cant warranty or help me at all.

So now its all on me.

 

So wait, these are different than the needle bearings in the hub? Is there a link to a writeup on this? Where are these bearings?

 

I gave you a link in post #6.

 

Thanks buddy, I saw. Just trying to make sure Im on the same page.