Hub/Bearing Failure?

[nailhead_sled]

Gents,

Quick question relating to what I believe is the failure of the drivers side hub/bearing assembly. About a week ago I began to notice a ‘humming’ sound developing from the front end. The sound is similar to that of mudders on pavement. Upon searching the site, I have found that this noise is often related to bearing failure.
Additionally, when turning right the noise completely goes away…which would lead me to believe that the culprit is the drivers side unit.

Does my theory sound reasonable? I’d love some feedback and or opinions before I drop a few hundred on a new hub and bearing.

Thanks in advance…

 

[nailhead_sled]

Decided to take the plunge and pick up a new SKF Hub/Bearing for $225 at Crappy Tire. I don’t usually arbitrarily purchase parts on a whim, but the idea of loosing a wheel during the 75+ km drive to and from work each day doesn’t appeal to me.

 

[nailhead_sled]

Update:
Just returned home from work and proceeded further inspect the driver’s side. Jacked her up gave the wheel a few good tugs, but there is no play and everything seems tight. Removed the wheel, spun the hub by hand hoping to recreate the humm or for that matter ever hear a grinding or binding to no avail.
Now I’m stumped. I really don’t want to replace the hub assembly only to find it was not the problem and be out over $200.

To recap the symptoms:
At 60kph (40mph) a very noticeable humm develops. The humm is present at all speeds above 60; however it is most noticeable at 60 (maybe just as loud over 60, however normal road noise makes it hard to tell). The noise goes away when turning right, but is still present when turning left.
There is no vibration or extra steering effort required. If the noise was not present, you wouldn’t even be aware there is a problem.

I would be very appreciative for any input provided.

Cheers

 

[sk1er17]

drive it around so it everything heats up, then while its hot jack it up and feel for play. Sometimes in the early stages you cant feel the tire move by hand unless its hot.

You positive its the drivers side? Id check both

 

[nailhead_sled]

No, I'm not positive of anything at this stage.
I'll check the other side just to be sure, but wouldn't the noise reduction on right turns eliminate the pass side as the defective unit?? If it is in fact a defective bearing?

..heading back outside to take your advice and heat things up then check again for play.

 

[nailhead_sled]

Drove for a good 20 mins to heat everything up, immediately jacked up the front end and checked for play. Still nothing.
In order to eliminate a cupping tire as the cause I rotated the ‘hoops and went back out….noise is still there.

Would it be reasonable to assume that driving it over the next few days should further deteriorate the bearing and make it easier to pinpoint, or am I just asking for trouble?

 

[Opera House]

Higly unlikely that you will find any play like you would in previous spindle assembly design. I finally replaced replaced mine to get rid of the noise. Sometimes when you jack it up, the tire will kick in when pavement contact is lost. In my case, the noise was greater under 40. This alo cured inside tire wear. These bearings have problems because there is less than 2" betwen the bearings. That causes many times more stress than the older design. Expected life is just over 100K.

 

[nailhead_sled]

Thanks To everybody for the input.
I replaced the driver’s side hub/bearing today and the problem has been cured.
In fact the truck has never driven so quiet and smooth.
Hope this will serve as assistance in the future for anybody with similar symptoms.