Wheel bearings?

[2KJimmySLS]

Unfortunately I lack the experience to determine whether or not the sound I'm hearing is a wheel bearing going bad or something a bit more sinister.

Alright, basically what I'm hearing is what sounds like loud road noise when traveling between 35-65 mph. From most of the research I've done I automatically want to say that its a wheel bearing, however, this sound didn't show up until I switched the vehicle into 4hi one day and the sound it produced was a heck of a lot worse than it is when traveling in 2hi. I also seem to be feeling a lot more high frequency vibration at my feet. (Not that the floor produces an audible high frequency noise, just feels like a buzzing on the feet)

I initially thought the issue might be specifically related to the operation of the 4wd, and this may still be the case, but it seems that the noise exists whether or not I'm using it, even if it is quieter in 2hi.

I own a 2000 Jimmy, 2dr, 4wd (3 button) automatic, 4.3 v6. I also thought the problem might have been related to the tires as they were really due for a change, but that certainly didn't reduce the noise, so what would anyone suggest I look at? Wheel bearings, transfer case, etc.?

[MT-2500]

Wheel bearing testing.
Head down a straight road about 35-50 MPH.
Turn the steering wheel just a little to the left and the right.
If noise changes when wheel is turned a little it points to a wheel bearing.

The jack it up and put it on stands and see if any wheels have any side ways play.
Then spin wheels by hand or in gear and listen for a rough vibration or noise.
The wheel with the rough noise or rough sound will be the one with a bad wheel bearing.
MT

[TomB985]

MT, about how long after you start hearing a small amount of noise do these things normally last? My '95 has been doing that since I got it 6 months ago, and I've put about 10,000 miles on it since. The noise hasn't changed any, and there is no play in the wheels at all when it's off the ground.

Just don't wanna spend $250 per bearing if I don't have to!

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by TomB985

MT, about how long after you start hearing a small amount of noise do these things normally last? My '95 has been doing that since I got it 6 months ago, and I've put about 10,000 miles on it since. The noise hasn't changed any, and there is no play in the wheels at all when it's off the ground.

Just don't wanna spend $250 per bearing if I don't have to!

Hard to say.

May depend on how luckie you are and what is wrong with the bearing.
Could just have on bad ball bearing or could have water in it or dry on greese.
But remember is a bearing is making a noise it is not good.
And could cause other damage if it goes all the way out.
When the wheel starts getting a little lose or the noise gets bad you need to replace it before wheel starts falling off.
Sometimes you can fix it by just by replacing the bad one.
And sometimes the other side may go soon to.
Good Luck
MT
Good luck