road noise, possible bearing?

[mccutters]

Any search ideas or possible causes for a front-end road noise coming from the drivers wheel, I assume, on a '96 4x4. It sounds just like tire/alignment low pitch hum (varing with speed, not rpm's) but makes the same noise on all surfaces: asphalt, dirt, gravel. Could this be my bearings - which would require replacement? Lately it's so loud at certain speeds that it drowns out the radio.

 

[mccutters]

one thing to add... the sound dissapears when turning hard left above 20 mph

What should I check next?

 

[Robb]

You may want to pull off front wheels and take a look at the brake pads. You may have a caliper sticking out, which could rub pad on rotor all the time.

Robb

 

[Big E]

Sounds like a wheel bearing goind bad. I would have them both checked out and repacked if they are not messed up. If they are get new bearings. Now would be a great time to put new pads and rotors on if needed or switch your auto hubs to manual hubs if you have had problems. Just a few ideas.

Eric

 

[rwest!]

Front end noise

Ball joints maybe? I had a similiar noise coming from the front end of my truck and my mechanic said I needed the ball joints replaced. He did it and the noise I had went away.

That could be your problem, worth looking into!

Renee

 

[Jason_25]

Originally posted by Big E
Sounds like a wheel bearing goind bad. I would have them both checked out and repacked if they are not messed up. If they are get new bearings. Now would be a great time to put new pads and rotors on if needed or switch your auto hubs to manual hubs if you have had problems. Just a few ideas.

Eric

The wheel bearings cannot be repacked on 95+ 4x4's. Also, the hubs cannot be changed out. They are a solid piece.