Help diagnose Humming noise problem

[mec0t0]

I have a this humming (low pitched) noise for a couple of weeks now but cannot find the problem. It sounds like loud tire noise and it happens around 40mph and disappears if I tap on the brakes. The sound intensifies a little when I turn the wheel left or right.

The noise is coming from the front so I don't think it's the rear u-joints. Could it be bad wheel bearings? I checked the driver side hub and the runout is within spec, also checked the front diff fluid level. How could you tell if there is a bad CV joint? Any help would be much appreciated.. Thanks.

Alex

[wehswarriorS-10]

sounds like a wheel bearing if u say it intensifies when u turn the wheel, a cv axle would vibrate or make loud popping noises or clunks, check the wheel for slack and see if ur bearing has any obvious rust around it.....but that most definately sounds like ur problem

[luminaapv3]

Some simple steps: (even if it sounds silly!)
1. Check your whell lug nuts (check if any is striped
2. Check all brake component bolts (calipers, etc.)
3. look around for any loose bolts!
had a simular vibration problem and it turned out to be a striped lug nut!

[borninabarn]

Originally Posted by mec0t0

I have a this humming (low pitched) noise for a couple of weeks now but cannot find the problem. It sounds like loud tire noise and it happens around 40mph and disappears if I tap on the brakes. The sound intensifies a little when I turn the wheel left or right.

The noise is coming from the front so I don't think it's the rear u-joints. Could it be bad wheel bearings? I checked the driver side hub and the runout is within spec, also checked the front diff fluid level. How could you tell if there is a bad CV joint? Any help would be much appreciated.. Thanks.

Alex

Its a wheel bearing just find out what side for sure

[mec0t0]

This past weekend I pulled off the passenger right wheel and caliper to check for runout on the hub. The readings are good but I noticed that there is some uneven brake wear on the disc which I replaced a month ago. If it's a bad wheel bearing it must be on this side. I was thinking of replacing both sides but it looks like the bearing and hub assy is at least $200 each.

Alex

[luminaapv3]

can you buy just the bearing?

[wehswarriorS-10]

its a bearing/hub assy...its all one piece and the reason its so expensive is cuz it has a speed sensor built into it also...

[oljeeptek]

Its a wheel bearing. I went through the rear end of my '98 a couple years ago, now the front makes the same low growl. It'll go a long way that way, its just irritating. Mines been grumbling for about 8 months now. (I put off overhauling the rears until the wife's grumbling became louder than the bearings.....)

[mec0t0]

I went ahead and replaced the wheel bearing hub on both sides and the noise did not go away. It is not a click or popping noise and the humming noise is getting worst now and occurs even in reverse and slower speeds. It's getting louder and more like a low grinding noise and occurs after the first 1 mile or so.

Am I left with bad CV joints?

Thanks, Alex

[bigjay7680]

i had a loud squeaking when i drove my durango.. it was the rear universal joint. u could check out the front ones u have 4wd.. its a cheap fix. i would also try the front bearings.

[mec0t0]

Can anyone tell me how to inspect the U-joints or the CV joints? I just replaced both front wheel bearings but the noise still exists and is getting worst. It's a constant grabbing/rubbing/rumbling noise and I can't figure out what is wrong with it. Thanks for your help.

Alex

[bigjay7680]

i would bet money on it that it is the universal joints they are like 25 bucks. mine was doing the same thing. changed the universal from the rear end to the transfer case for the 4wd.. its just 4 bolts and pull it out

[bigjay7680]

or it could be the front universal??

[xs29l]

If the noise goes away with slight pressure on the brakes, it's probably the brake pads rattling. My 98 was doing that because the pads were too loose when the brakes got hot. I put in some new brake fluid and bled the lines and it helped clear up the problem. It still happens when the brakes are very hot, but it is rare.

[ssunford]

my 98 has a spring clip on the outer pad that hooks over the lower caliper bracket and holds the pad in allignment. I just had to do both front brakes and a drivers side hub assembly today. the drivers side brakes were correctly installed and had even wear but the passenger side had a stripped out lower caliper guide pin and sping on the pad was on top of the bracket and not pulled down under it like it should be causing a lip to wear on the top side of the brake pads and also caused constant rubbing on the rotor makeing it glaze and crack. You should REALLY check the spring on both sides and make sure they are inside the lower bracket pulling the pads in and not on top of it forcing it outwards.