'93 front end noise

[youngdrew47]

Hi everybody,

I am new to this site. I just purchased a '93 XLT and there is a weird humming / vibration from the front end. It comes on at about 35 mph. It is there when going straight and gets very bad with a slight turn to the left. The noise goes away completely when turning back to the right. I tried to duplicate it on a rack, but no luck. Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[MrShorty]

1st question: Are the axleshafts disconnecting from the wheels? Do you have auto or manual hubs? My 1st thought is that somehow the hubs aren't disengaging, which would cause at least part of the front drivetrain to be spinning all the time, which causes extra noises, and vibrations when the u-joints are bad or the driveshaft is out of balance.

 

[youngdrew47]

Thanks for the info. The auto hubs seem to engaging and disengaging correctly on the hoist. But I am going to double check all that. Could it be wheel bearings? Thanks again for the help.

 

[MrShorty]

It most certainly could be wheel bearings. If the hubs are working as they should, check them next.

 

[DeRocha]

I'd also agree with wheel bearings as being suspect. Does the noice occur when the hubs are locked? My '93 would make a buzz or chatter when making left turns.. The sharper the turn the louder the noise. As soon as I engaged 4x4 the noise went away and I new it was one of my autohubs trying. I cleaned them up and have had no problems.

 

[youngdrew47]

Problem fixed. Thank you for all your suggestions. I replaced the front wheel bearings and installed Warn manual hubs. The noise is gone and I am happy again.