HELP! front drivers side grinding

[mattzilla14]

I have an '02 mountaineer AWD with 70k miles. I noticed a slight grinding in the front end two days ago, then yesterday there was a loud pop/bang and the grinding/squeaking REALLY started. I would say it's not driveable, and it looks like the top of the front drivers side tire is tilting inward. I'm guessing it's the cv joint/drive axle. But I'm thinking also could be one of the bearings. The tire tilting in is really what's throwing me off. Anyone else have any similar problems? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

 

[jrford]

very common are the wheel bearings, if you jack it up can you wiggle the wheel?
Before anything else i'd replace that bearing.

 

[mattzilla14]

Thanks Jim, I'm lucky enough to have a large warehouse @ work where I can work on vehicles. I go to lunch in 30 minutes, I'll check it out then and report back!

 

[mattzilla14]

Well, I jacked it up on lunch and IF there is any wiggle in the wheel, it's very minimal. There's definitely some serious grinding going on in there somewhere though. I jacked up the entire front end and spun the drivers side wheel by hand. I got underneath and the noise is coming from the wheel area, not the transfer case. Both of the rubber boots on the axle are in good condition also. Were you thinking it was the wheel hub bearing?

 

[jrford]

there should be no wiggle. New its solid. If the brakes look fine, no rust or stuff, my guess its the front wheel bearing (comes a a sealed unit). There is almost no half shafts failures for the most part. Just a lot of wheel bearings.
Search there is a write up somewhere, i forgot otherwise i post it for you.

 

[mattzilla14]

One other thing I forgot to post was that the day before it started, the ABS light came on. Is the ABS sensor for the front wheel in the bearing assembly?

 

[jrford]

One other thing I forgot to post was that the day before it started, the ABS light came on. Is the ABS sensor for the front wheel in the bearing assembly?

yes its part of the Assembly.

 

[jrford]

heading out for the day, but you might want to look for the Bearing with ABS sensor. I bet its chewed up, it sits along the side of the tone ring not above it like other trucks.

 

[mattzilla14]

Thanks Jim! Have a good weekend!

 

[limit]

its the wheel bearing it might even throw ur abs light on

 

[mattzilla14]

Had the wheel bearing replaced, no noise, no ABS light. Thanks!