98 4x4 Front End Roar

[kingfishracin]

I have a roar coming from my front end that gets louder as I increase in speed. It sounds like Im riding on 44" super swampers. I replaced the right front wheel bearing about 6 months ago but this sounds different then the wheel bearing. Where should I start looking?

[muddog321]

Fan clutch could be frozen or locked on full - so if that open the hood and check to see if thats it.

[kingfishracin]

Just checked the fan. I could spin it freely so I guess thats not it.

[amtech4]

Could it have something to do with your encoder motor? Mine failed some time ago and I would get that exact same sound (intermittently). It would quit when I would put it into 4 high then back into 2X.

[Cloud Strife]

Well check the left wheel bearing.

Also you may want to look at your brakes possible seizing up just slightly enough to be making noise.

[98blazerRI]

I am having the same problem same sound. Just went through the entire front end and replaced everything from Ball joints to pitman arm... Now I am getting a moaning noise... I figured it was wheel bearing.... Blazer is perfectly streight....

Let us know how you make out...

[ericn1300]

Originally Posted by kingfishracin

Just checked the fan. I could spin it freely so I guess thats not it.

it should turn freely with the engine off. when you start the engine the fan clutch will engage and cause a roaring sound for a second or two then shut off. check to see if the fan is turning after a few seconds with the engine stone cold.

[jimarch40]

I have a 96 S-15 Jimmy and had a similar noise coming from the front end. Originally it was thought to be the bearings so those were replaced but that didn't fix it. Ended up having to put a new (well used) front differential end and then the noise went away. Not cheap either. Might not be your problem but might give you something to have checked out.