Need some confirmation.

[robert.flake]

I think I have a bad front passenger wheel hub.

I have the whirring noise at high speeds (I also have it at low speeds-and it directly corresponds to wheel rotation), I feel a slight vibration in the steering wheel. When I get close to something that will throw an echo back to me (jersey barrier) it kinda sounds like someone running a fingernail across a comb.

I jacked the truck up and rotated by hand the tire and I can feel a very slight vibration through the tire. Took the tire, caliper, and rotor off and can slightly feel what i can only describe as grit or dirty grease inside the the hub assy.

This is definitely a bad wheel bearing right? I don't have the money to throw parts at the car so if i am going to drop 100 dollars, I want to make sure that the problem will be solved.

Also on the other front tire, one of the wheel studs broke off. Are these replaceable or do i have to change that hub assy too?

 

[imp]

Your diagnosis is likely correct. But, there is a chance the noise is originating in one of the C-V joints. If time permits, it is best to remove the hub/bearing assembly, in order to "feel" the bearing's condition without turning the C-Vs and differential gearing along with it.

The hub/bearing is retained by (3) bolts accessed from behind the steering knuckle, and the most difficult part of removing it is loosening the hub's spline from that of the axle shaft. Once that is accomplished, it is fairly easy to pull the hub and bearing retainer out as a unit. The ABS cable must be disconnected at a connector below the headlight area, and several clips pried loose, as well as one clip held in place by a small screw in the knuckle itself.

All of the above assumes 4WD. If a 2WD, then bearings are of a conventional, usually encountered type on nearly all non-driven front wheel designs. Hope this helps you. If not enough info, please ask! imp

 

[guilateen]

Definitly a hub from what you are describing. Yes the studs are replacable. I hear they are a pain to do without removing the hub assembly but it is possible. I would suggest buying the best hub you can afford. I am currently on a cheap china set from primechoiceauto going on a month now. I will keep posted on there durability but i doubt they will last.