HELP! Lets play the guessing game, which problem is it?

[EliteConcept]

Ok i just don't know anymore...i need some help on
my 92 with 123,000 miles

i know the balljoints are bad, i plan on getting them fixed in the next month or so...
i think the auto hubs are bad but not sure

heres what i know

1. there is a humming that occurs when i turn the wheel to the left while driving.

2. sometimes when i'm driving a really loud like grinding rattling sound comes from the passenger side wheel area, but yesterday for the first time it did it on the drivers side. the sound is proportional to the speed of the truck. Yesterday I stopped, hit the 4x4 button, and then went, the sound was gone.

3. when driving and no UNSUAL sounds are coming from the wheels. there is a strange viberation you can feel on the floor with your feet. Its kinda ruff, but its not that noticable, only with your feet.


I think my auto hubs are for sure shot and i am in need of new ball joints
can i take off the auto hub peice that comes free as soon as you take the tire off ????? just to test to see if this is the source of my problems for one day
I noticed that there are many gears behind the autohub peice.....

any info would help i'm really fed up

thanks in advance
ryan

 

[Jason_25]

Just go to manual hubs. It is a sure sign of dead autohubs.

Also, don't worry about the balljoints until you get the hubs fixed. You may not need to fix them.

 

[EliteConcept]

all the problems i have decribed Point to bad hubs?
also i know the ball joints are bad, the wheel can be moved quite a bit and i have some slight cupping of the front tires and the PSI is 34 in them

 

[Jason_25]

Numbers 1 and 2 are, not sure about 3 but possibly.

 

[EliteConcept]

can i just take the hub part off until i can slap some manuals on ?
i am putting manuals on just not sure when before winter thats for sure

 

[EliteConcept]

bump anyone eles?

 

[JDraper]

All 3 could be the hubs. #1 could also be a wheel bearing going. Jack the vehicle up and see if there is any play in the bearing (If you have bad ball joints, it will be difficult to tell), and make sure the wheel rotates smoothly.

#2 is almost definitely the hubs. 99% probability. Classic sign of toasted hubs. Go with manuals. Manuals are cheaper and more reliable than the auto hubs. It also gives you a 2wd low mode which can be nice to have.

#3 Could be the hubs if they are engaging on their own. That would cause the axle shafts to rotate, which would give you some vibration through the floor. However, bad ball joints and/or wheelbearings would give you the same thing. Bad ball joints or bad/loose wheel bearings will also cause tire cupping.

I would suggest the following:

1. 90+% probablility of bad hubs. Replace with manuals

2. Thoroughly inspect wheel bearings for wear & play. They are a lot easier and cheaper to replace than ball joints, and can cause the play and symptoms you are describing.

3. After #1 and #2, check the ball joints again. With your mileage, you're right, they probably are toast, but they are the most expensive and difficult of the 3 to replace.

 

[EliteConcept]

i just replaced the wheel bearings last year..

maybe when i switch to manuals just check them out make sure they are greased good?

i had the truck jacked up last week checking a few things out and i was rotating the tire...it seemed to rotate fine, with ease.

thanks

also what is 2wd low??

 

[Crankcase]

Originally posted by EliteConcept

also what is 2wd low??

Leaving the front hubs unlocked while in 4X4 LOW. The same low gearing will apply at the transfer case, but without powering the front wheels.