Grinding noise

[stuartr]

I have a 02 Mounty 4.0 AWD with about 105K on it. I have recently noticed a noise in the front. Sounds like it from the tranny/transfercase area up to around the front axle. I say this because I can't track it down. Just it is in the front portion of the ride. It is a driventrain noise, not from the motor. Seems like it is the loudest at about 40MPH and don't really change if you go into a curve. That leads me to say it isn't a wheel bearing. They will usually get better and worse from one side to another in a hard turn. It makes sorta a Wa-Wa-Wa sound. Not really a grinding sound. I can't seem to feel it. I wanted to get under it today and look somemore but 8in or so of snow and no place to get in the dry stopped me. I did check the gear oil in front and rear axles both good. I was wondering if it could be maybe a U-joint? One of the ones in the front driveline. Anybody got an clue. I am stumped on this one. Thanks a bunch in advance for the help.

STU

 

[stuartr]

Nevermind, it was a rear wheel bearing. Mounty is setting on the side of the 4-lane right now! So oh well.

STU

 

[D Hook]

Sorry to hear that. Did it freeze up on you so you couldn't drive it or what?

 

[stuartr]

Oh no, it just wobbled and was throwing sparks my Dad saw them he was behind me!

STU

 

[BigRondo]

Stu, that stinks. Were you able to get it back home?

 

[stuartr]

Nope, still sitting there 3 tires and a new addition of a jack stand! I am having trouble finding the backing plate behind the hub that houses the emerg. brake and the brakes and links bolt to. I hope to get one tomorrow though. So may be back running soon.

STU

 

[BigRondo]

Sorry to hear that man. Hope you get it back on the road soon.

 

[Hitchhikingmike]

Sorry to hear about your misfortune. Like clock work the rear wheel bearing went on my '02 @85k miles. I don't have the energy, will nor time to do it, plus its cold out and I just finished with other car work. I threw up my hands and had Pepboys do the job for me. The were able to replace just the bearings and not the flange/hub assembly. Only my left rear one was grinding, but they replaced both.

Here is what they look like. BTW you will need a LARGE press to press these suckers in and out:

good luck.

 

[rocco123]

Just did my right rear last month. Wa wa wa sound. Bought a harbor freight 12 ton press to do them myself after being down this road with my 02's wheel bearing so many times. Good luck

 

[BigRondo]

Stu, you got it back home yet?

 

[stuartr]

Nope, should be getting the backer plate tomorrow and getting her back on the road. I hope anyway! I hate being broke down. Been out railroading 6 days a week 8-12 hrs a day. Hard to do much more than that.

STU

 

[Explorizer]

Hitchhikingmike, is your '02 a 2wd, 4wd,or awd? Just curious, 'cause my '02 v8 2wd is just at 80k and I hear only a slight whine from the rear of mine (on my 3rd rear end since new). In another 10k miles I'll probably have to R&R the rear end again. Sorry to see how burned up one of your wheel bearings looks 'cause from what I read on the forum that's probably what will happen to mine, too, in a while. By the way, is there any way to make them live a little longer? My '02 is just a daily commuter and has only been on 2 road trips (to White Sands and back).

 

[BigRondo]

Nope, should be getting the backer plate tomorrow and getting her back on the road. I hope anyway! I hate being broke down. Been out railroading 6 days a week 8-12 hrs a day. Hard to do much more than that.

STU

Hang in there man. She'll be up and running soon.

 

[Hitchhikingmike]

Hitchhikingmike, is your '02 a 2wd, 4wd,or awd? Just curious, 'cause my '02 v8 2wd is just at 80k and I hear only a slight whine from the rear of mine (on my 3rd rear end since new). In another 10k miles I'll probably have to R&R the rear end again. Sorry to see how burned up one of your wheel bearings looks 'cause from what I read on the forum that's probably what will happen to mine, too, in a while. By the way, is there any way to make them live a little longer? My '02 is just a daily commuter and has only been on 2 road trips (to White Sands and back).

My Ex is an '02 V6 2wd. I still have my original rear end, I contribute that to changing the diff oil every 20k miles max. My rear bearings were only making a slight whine as well, I even thought it was just the new tires I put on and didn't notice the sound until my brother pointed it out. I shrugged it off believing it was the tires until I had all fours in the air during a transmission preventative maintenance procedure when the bearings were LOUD in the garage with the wheels spinning in the air then I knew, bearings are shot. Its odd how the grinding sound is much more loud with no load on the bearing.

 

[stuartr]

Well back on the road again! I put the brake backer plate i got from the junk yard in and the bearing felt smooth so I put it in as well as a whole pc. I hope the bearing will make it to spring when I hope to put one in both sides.

STU

 

[BigRondo]

Stu, glad you're back in the saddle!