Humming noise "returned" with new hubs

[BrianDye]

2006 V6 82k

Replaced my front hubs with the Motorcraft HUB67(?) I dont recall the number off hand but they are the correct ones.

I was getting a "humming" noise when driving around 50-75mph, speed consistent only. (Not RPM consistent). I felt it through the floorboard, and steering wheel as well.

New hubs seemed to fix the noise, up until a few days ago. Was creeping through a small patch of soft land to see that my 4x4 actually worked, havent got to really test it yet. Got myself stuck for about 5 minutes and then was able to wiggle myself out in reverse, and 4 low.

Ever since then, i've intermittently had a groan/humming noise above 50 again. I dont really feel it in the steering wheel this time, but I hear it, and can slightly feel it through the floor. It doesnt go away when turning one way or another like a wheel bearing typically does.

Everything works as it should, no other issues aside from a rough idle, but I know I need plugs and wires which is my next task when I get paid.

The noise happens sometimes, not others. Itll happen sometimes right away when I goto work in the morning and hop on the highway, and then when I get off and pick my coworker up, doesnt happen the rest of the way, or vice versa.

What else could it be?

 

[admsbmr]

Have you checked the rear bearings? I would say its either them or you have mud and dirt somewhere that mud and dirt shouldn't be causing the intermediate issue.

 

[Tech By Trade]

You running kelly tires by chance?

 

[asull85]

Check your u-joints.

 

[BrianDye]

Thanks for the suggestions guys, been bed-ridden with this nasty "cold" thats going around like wildfire. First day terrible sore throat, second day stuffed up nose and NO energy, 3rd day sore as hell and runny nose, not fun. Didnt want to be taking time off work either since I need to put some money in this thing.

The only thing I can think of would be rear bearings, I havent checked them yet, whats the best way? Jack up the rear and wiggle/spin the tire and see if I hear/feel anything? Should I take the wheel off and visually inspect anything? I made a trip to Swanton, OH (70~ miles one way) and heard the noise for probably less than 3-5 miles total. Cant put any pattern on it other than 45+ mph usually til 65-70.

I also wondered if it was the tires, they are not Kelly's though. One of the Firestone Destination's (Cant remember which one though). I'm gonna check and make sure they're all aired properly as well. The X doesn't have a low tire light, does it?

Gonna have to search how to check U-Joints as well, this is all new to me.

 

[BrianDye]

Question about rear bearings, ive been watching some videos online, seems like quite the process, including having to get the bearings pressed out and in by a shop, cant you just buy new hubs with the bearings in them already and just basically replace the hub like the front? Or am I missing something?

 

[Tech By Trade]

Alas no. the rears need to be pressed in and out.

 

[BrianDye]

Alas no. the rears need to be pressed in and out.

:thumbdwn::thumbdwn::thumbdwn::thumbdwn::thumbdwn::thumbdwn:
Such a stupid design.

I jacked the back up (As you'll probably have already read from my other thread with the mud), and there is no play or noise when turning and wiggling the back wheels.