99 durango vibration and noise

[donaldoward]

I own a 1999 dodge durango 4wd and have been experiencing the following problem:

A vibration and noise that i can best describe as what sounds like tire noise. The vibration can be felt in the steering wheel to a certain extent and the noise can be heard at all driving speeds, though it does slow down and go away when you stop.

My initial thought was bad tires, but the noise is there when off road and on snow, the tires have also been replaced to no effect. The noise is worst at around 40 miles per hour and goes completely away when cornering to the left.

Here is what has already been done to try to eliminate the problem:

New tires and tire rotation.
New front brake rotors, calipers and pads.
New rear brake drums and shoes.
New front 4 wheel drive hubs (around 15k miles ago)
New ball joints (upper and lower) and tie rod ends (with alignment).
Exhaust inspection and repair (where necessary)
Drive shaft and universal inspection (should the front drive shaft always turn?)
New rear end seals and balanced the rear drive shaft.

Any input would be helpful.

thanks
don

[DurangoDave]

I'd suspect bad front wheel bearing, left side.

[donaldoward]

I thought that too at first, but the hub was replace less than 15k miles ago and has absolutely no play top to bottom when off the ground, i have checked it and have also had the tire shop and my mechanic check it. I can replace the hub assy, but they are $200 and don't want to do it needlessly.

[fatalerror]

where all the U joints checked ? The front joint leading into the transfer case ? This can cause vibration and eventually could crack the transfer case resulting in a TK replacement ...No Good when a 20 dollar u joint could be the problem . good luck

[N8ECH]

Don:

+2 on taking another look at that front drive shaft. As stated, the inner joint at the transfer case is a known issue, and could be your whole problem.

From your list, you have indeed out a lot of time, money, and parts into fixing this issue.

BTW:
Front drive shaft will turn all at all times when D is in motion as it is permanently connected to the front wheels.

There are no auto or manual hubs to release them. The disconnection occurs inside the T case.

Don