Noise from wheel area

[intel_guy]

Are bad wheel bearings noisy? I am getting a persistent noise from the front wheel(s) when rolling. It does not change when I apply brake force. Anyone have a clue what this noise might be other than bearing/hub?

[ryanszpara]

i've got the same thing going on.....cant tell if its from the front or rear....

I know its not the brakes, just redid the whole setup....also doesnt change with brakes on/off

maybe someone can help us out

[bigbadram51]

does it vibrate, does the vibration or noise go away or get noiser when your turning the wheel while moving. If so its probably your wheel bearings. I just had my front left go out.

[Blue Bowtie]

Does the level or frequency of sound vary with road speed?

[ryanszpara]

Originally Posted by bigbadram51

does it vibrate, does the vibration or noise go away or get noiser when your turning the wheel while moving. If so its probably your wheel bearings. I just had my front left go out.

Its comming from my left rear, so no when turning the wheel....no vibrations....it seems to be a constant pitch/ speeds up when i do....more noticable at low speeds...

Thanks guys

[intel_guy]

Mine occurs (tonight I noticed it even more) when I turn the wheel right. If it's bearings I'll replace both sides. Would I gain anything by replacing the entire hub assembly? They're pretty cheap on ebay, and claim to meet or exceed manufacturer's quality (which might not be so hard to do).

[bigbadram51]

Originally Posted by intel_guy

Mine occurs (tonight I noticed it even more) when I turn the wheel right. If it's bearings I'll replace both sides. Would I gain anything by replacing the entire hub assembly? They're pretty cheap on ebay, and claim to meet or exceed manufacturer's quality (which might not be so hard to do).

Mine did the same thing, more noticeable when turning right, almost went away turning left. I jacked it up each side and grabbed the wheel at 12 and 6. nothing but when I spun them the left side made all kinds of noise. Took it in and was right. Wheel bearings. for at least NBS, the whole assembly needed replacing (non serviceable bearings). As for changing both, you may or may not need too. Most bearings last 150k plus, unless your running really wide wheels (like 9.5-10.0 inch wide wheels).

[Rmbodie]

maybe you should check the parking brake drum inside the rotor for wetness from axle lube . If the bearings are bad , the seal is not far behind . The parking brake shoe can be out of position and rubbing on the rotor too. Mine was worn pretty bad when I checked it . Rob

[intel_guy]

Originally Posted by bigbadram51

Most bearings last 150k plus, unless your running really wide wheels (like 9.5-10.0 inch wide wheels).

I have 138k on them now. May as well do both since new hubs are only $100 each on ebay.

[intel_guy]

Wee two hours later they tell me the backing plate on the left rear wheel is corroded and has started to contact the brake pad/rotor. Can you believe they have to take the axle shafts out to replace the $23 tin backing plate? I think to save $600 I'm gonna just cut it out and not get a new one. Is there any reason I critically need this plate installed? Oh and for that $600 they were going to install new parking brake shoes. Is this a difficult job? I'd do it myself if possible. We went for a test drive and when I put the parking brake to the floor the truck just kept rolling.

[geneb11]

I think think this might be the problem that I am having. I have been getting a noise for a while now up front at around 10 to 15 mph that does not go away when braking. When I turn to the left it gets louder. Is this a wheel bearing problem? Are these bearings servicable or do I need the whole assembly?

[intel_guy]

I believe in another thread it reads that bearings are not serviceable.

For what ended up being my problem (aside from buying a flood vehicle), I was able to purchase complete parking brake assembly from GM for only $75 each side. I will be trying to tackle this myself tomorrow. Wish me luck. I do have the haynes manual, so that will help.

One question: Can I re-use the gasket (if there is one) on the differential cover? I replaced the cover with a new stock cover about 1.5 yrs ago.

One more question: Is it likely that my local parts store (Advance Auto) carries the synthetic differential oil I need when refilling my differential?

One final question: Are those oversized (1.5L extra capacity), overpriced($175) aluminum diffrential covers worth the investment? One thing they do offer is the ability to drain/fill the diff without removing the cover.
http://www.yourcovers.com/newdifferential.htm

[intel_guy]

BTW: Here is a decent price for a new front hub: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Front...spagenameZWDVW

[skipr]

[quote=intel_guy]I believe in another thread it reads that bearings are not serviceable.

For what ended up being my problem (aside from buying a flood vehicle), I was able to purchase complete parking brake assembly from GM for only $75 each side. I will be trying to tackle this myself tomorrow. Wish me luck. I do have the haynes manual, so that will help.

One question: Can I re-use the gasket (if there is one) on the differential cover? I replaced the cover with a new stock cover about 1.5 yrs ago.

One more question: Is it likely that my local parts store (Advance Auto) carries the synthetic differential oil I need when refilling my differential?

All auto parts should have synthetic oils. Get Mobil One or another fully synthetic. Don't be fooled by the wording in synthetic blend (means it's got some percentage of synthetic). And also Haynes manual suck, so does Chilton. You want a copy of the section you need from my GM service tech manual?

[intel_guy]

Sure! If you have a soft copy send to [email protected]. Thanks! I didnt get to it today, and I dont feel too confident about being able to do the job right start to finish, even tho it really should not be too difficult.