Constant Hummmmm From Right Side

[VBVA]

I have this constant hum coming from the passenger side of my Ex. It is more prevalent when I am going straight or turning left and virtually non-existant when turning right. I have heard many things from many people about what it could be. I have heard that my wheels are out of alignment and the tire is rubbing funny, I also heard that I need a new wheel bearing or something along those lines. Anybody know what it could be? (I was too lazy to do a search, so I hope somebody can help me out). I don't really care about cost for any repairs right now, I just want to hear about some options I have. Thanks in advance...

 

[Jason_25]

Do you have auto or manual hubs? If you have auto, they may be bad.

You could also try tightening your outer spindle locknut. Usually guys with large tires have this problem but ya never know. While your down there you may want to pack the wheel bearing with grease.

Hopefully one of those suggestions will do it for you.

 

[88vert]

I second what Jason says mine are doing the same thing

 

[mrboyle]

The noise you describe sounds like you have a wheel bearing on the right side that is toast. I don't think repacking is going to be an option. Once they get to the point that they make noise it is usually too late. Do yourself a favor, either fix it ASAP or park your X untill you can. The longer you drive it with the noise the more damage you are dooing to the rest of the parts on that side. If you go too long, you are going to ruin the hub, spindle and if it gets hot enough you can ruin the stub axle.

 

[VBVA]

Ok, so I think I need to reaplace my wheel bearing then. How much is it going to cost me if I take my Ex to the local "Johnny and Sons" mechanic shop and have them replace it for me? Also, while they are doing the passenger side, is it good to have the driver's side replaced too? Thanks for the info guys!

 

[ajevenson]

If you trust them, let them look at both bearings on each side. The bearings are only ~$25 each and I'm guessing but for both sides they shouldnt charge more than 2 hours. I swapped all of mine out and it only took 1 hour each side replacing the calipers & pads as well.
While they've got the rear wheel bearing out they may as well machine the rotors (if they havent been done in a while).

 

[FourXFred]

my exploder is doing the same thing, on the same side, except only when i turn left. it goes away while goin streight and while lightly turning right. i also badly need an alignment.

 

[VBVA]

Got it Looked At...

Well, went up to the local Midas (closest shop to me here at school) and got a tech to look at it. I was in the shop with him the whole time. He showed me how bad the wheel bearing was on the passenger side. THere was a lot of play in the wheel. Then he showed me how the lower ball joint on the driver's side was about ready to fall out. I think they are the originals on both sides. Well, the recommended estimate (bearings and ball joints both sides) came up to $1,025 and the necessary estimate (bearing passenger side, ball joints drivers side) was $610. Anybody wanna spot me some money? Poor college student in dire need here...

 

[Jason_25]

No way man. Thats way too much to pay. I suggest doing it yourself anyway. If you're gonna fourwheel, you need to know how to take apart and put back together your front end anyway. I'd be willing to bet that the bearing is about 20 bucks and the ball joints is about 50 bucks. If they charged 50 an hour, that's like them saying that it will take more than 10 hours to fix just the right side. you can do the right side in probably 3 hours.

 

[88vert]

Thats alot of $$$

 

[ExplorerEB96]

I had both of my ball joints in my bronco

replaced and the wheel bearings regreased and packed for $550..... that's wayyyy too much $$$ for just the ball joints

Karol

 

[88vert]

I replaced all four balljoints last year for under 100 its not that hard too do if you have the right tools

 

[VBVA]

Originally posted by Jason_25
No way man. Thats way too much to pay. I suggest doing it yourself anyway. If you're gonna fourwheel, you need to know how to take apart and put back together your front end anyway. I'd be willing to bet that the bearing is about 20 bucks and the ball joints is about 50 bucks.

My dad doesn't trust me enough to take apart my Ex and do all the repairs, LOL. You're right about that parts. The bearings were $18.95 each and the ball joints were $52.99 each. That makes the parts, plus grease come out to about $290. I would like to do it myself, but my Pops said he was gonna call around back home and see if some of his buddies who have shops can give us a deal on labor. We'll just have to see how it goes. As for now, She sits and waits...

 

[88vert]

52.99 where are you getting the balljoints?

 

[VBVA]

$52.99 is the price Midas pulled up on their computers. I was just reading my Haynes manual. It seems like I will only need 3 special tools and grease and a little bit of patience. I just need to convince my dad that we will be spending a weekend under the Sploder to get it all fixed for $600 less. Wish me luck...

 

[88vert]

With two people you should be able to have it done in a day

 

[88vert]

Sorry

Go to Autozone and get your balljoints they are alot cheaper

 

[FourXFred]

My ball joints and bearings are gone too.And yea, im pretty sure autozone only wants like $26 bucks a piece for the balljoints. Dont know about the bearing. I am also a poor college student, and im gonna try to do my bearings and balljoints myself soon. Till then i just avoid potholes so my wheels dont break off.