4 x 4 front end noise

[spackelman]

2002 2500HD. 4x4, 8.1 liter / allison trans crew cab, full box.

My truck has developed a "rubbing / grinding" noise which seems to be coming from the front passenger side wheel. The noise is cyclic with tire rotation and dissapears when I make left handed turns. This is in 2 wheel drive mode.

Have never hit anything, all stock equipment and ride heights. I have never had a front end alingment though.

I rarely use the 4 x 4 mode and have 93000 mi on the truck and the 4 x 4 does engage properly.

My question is (I have not pulled the wheel off for inspection yet), is there any inherent problems with this front axle / hub / cv assembly?

I worked on alot of front ends, but have no 4x4 experience.

Hopfully it is only the wheel bearings in the hub.

Thanks for any input...

[kenny-1907]

Could possibly be the bearings. My silverado only had about 65000 miles on it and the right front bearings were shot.

[spackelman]

Originally Posted by kenny-1907

Could possibly be the bearings. My silverado only had about 65000 miles on it and the right front bearings were shot.

Kenny,

Did you do the work yourself or have it done. My guess to have the bearings replaced (assuming the hub bearings) will be at least $200 to $300.

[kenny-1907]

No i did not do the work myself, I had it in the shop to have the steering box replaced because it was shot as well as one inner tie rod end and they called me to let me know that the right front bearings were shot. They initially told me that is was going to be about $475 for the new one but it ended up being only $330 which still sucks. The steering box is an easy change and the only reason that I took it in was because it was too damn cold here. The other morning it was -49ºc with the windchill.

[spackelman]

Ouch, thats cold...

I priced the hub from advanced auto parts - $294, from auto zone - $350.00.

The info I getting is that you have to replace the whole hub, not just the bearings.

I have to pull it apart on sunday to inspect.

[kenny-1907]

What did you ever find out ?

[spackelman]

I ended buying 2 new front hub assemblies through a friend of a local garage.

Both hubs cost $170 ea. (dealer list $403 ea.)

I replaced the passenger side yesterday (have to complete today).

The passenger side was totally shot. The driver side, not so bad.

The biggest PIA was getting the caliper attachment bolts out. Some heat and few banged knuckles, got them out. Pretty simple R & R.

Warmer today (35 deg +) but no where near your cold temp.

I'll see if I can get the driver side done today.

Will post again after test drive.