Possibly need to replace axle?

[UncleGiggles]

04 XLT 4.6 4X4 70k miles

I've owned the truck for about 200 miles now and still sorting through little issues it has. I hear a buzz from the front driver wheel that gets more intense with speed and puts a small amount of feedback into the steering wheel. The sound is exactly like a wheel bearing BUT it doesn't get worse when I put a load on it like a wheel bearing would (like heavy right steering or braking forcing weight onto that wheel). Yesterday I heard a nice *POP* while making a sharp left turn into a parking space. I was able to replicate the pop several times in the parking lot afterward, always with LEFT turns but never right turns and the pop and buzz always come from the front driver wheel. The steering wheel also felt a little "gritty" while turning left but not right. That makes me think that having the buzz and pop in the same place are related. The best I can think of is the front driver axle is to blame.

Think I need a new axle or maybe check something else? If so, can anyone recommend a good replacement that you have experience with? Is there any way to diagnose and repair an axle without replacing it?

Thanks for all the help so far guys!

 

[UncleGiggles]

I spoke to some guys I know and I more/less answered my own question to an extent. It's definitely that axle. The advice I was given was to jack up the truck and make sure the inner/outer CV boots were intact and packed with grease, spin the wheel for noise and play, and wiggle the axle to check for play. This will be my mission today since I'm off work.

Only question left - If I do decide to replace the axle, what brands has everyone had good luck with? I don't want to buy the most bottom of the barrel Chinese junk that's going to break again in a year.