wheel bearing, cv shaft noise. need help

[sportblack99]

Ok I've got a problem. Had some bearing noise in the front end. Swapped both bearing for new timkens. Torqued to 180ft lbs. Drove and still had noise. Little less noticeable but still there. So I'm gonna move inward on the axle. Next step of course in the cv shafts. I'm a semi truck tech so I'm not up to speed on inspection. Anybody got any tips on these. After that will be the outer axle shaft bearings. Of course those are simple checks but I was told those are pressed in. True?

Any input will help. Thanks

2000 sport

 

[RomeovilleIL]

The axle bearings are removed and replaced with a slide hammer tool which you can get as a loaner from autozone or advanced. I've seen a video of some guy doing the job without it, but wasnt pretty - he ran a pipe through from opposite sides and hammered it out using a large socket against the bearing.

 

[RomeovilleIL]

CV's are not difficult. There are good write-up in the stickies section with pictures. Torque of the axle nut is the critical factor.

As for the noise, CVs usually make a whirring-popping or crunching sound. Roaring or rythmic humming usually is bearings.

Before you go any further since you've already replace the hub assemblies would be to remove the front drive shaft and take a quick test drive to see if the sound changes or disappears. From there try rotating tires to be sure they aren't the source of the noise.

 

[sportblack99]

If it comes down to the axle bearings being the problem ive got the bearing puller and slide hammer at work so thats not a big deal. Are they pressed in? I've never been in an IFS axle before so its all new. Its gotta be from the outer axle bearing out due to the noise change when turning.

 

[RomeovilleIL]

I've only ever seen the bearing carefully hammered back in. You do not need to drop the axle and press in with hydrolics if that is your concern.