01 sonoma noise

[fdb16]

I have a loud noise which sounds like its coming from the passenger side front of the vehicle. The noise sounds almost like tire/road noise. I have checked the tire pressure and they are at 35 psi. I have jacked up the front end and tried to push pull both tires at 12 & 6 and 3 & 9 with no movement. Just trying to find out what else i should check. Any help would be grateful. Thanks

[old_master]

2WD or 4WD? Could be a wheel bearing. While driving, if you turn the steering wheel either direction away from straight ahead, (like on an exit ramp), does the noise change?

[fdb16]

Its a 4wd and the noise doesn't change when turning although it does get louder with acceleration. I can't feel vibration in the steering wheel and the noise lessens when i press on the brakes. I thought for sure it was the hub assembly but when i jacked the front end up there was no play in the wheel. Also i meant to say driver side, not passenger side.

[old_master]

In the early stages of 4WD hub failure, you might not feel any play. The fact that the noise doesn’t change when turning the wheel, indicates it’s probably not the hub assembly. If the noise changes with vehicle speed, it may be from tire wear caused by excessive toe in or toe out on the front wheels. Excessive toe will cause the edge of the tread to become cupped. Run your hand along the tread, if it has a symmetrical "jagged" feel to it, that might be the problem. Applying the brakes causes a weight shift to the front of the vehicle and could explain why the sound changes. The easy way to determine if tire wear is the cause of the noise, rotate the tires front to rear. The noise will be less noticeable when the cupped tires are on the rear. If that improves the noise, you probably need a front end inspection, and a front wheel alignment.

[fdb16]

Ok I will rotate the tires today and check for wear. I'll let you know how that goes. Thanks again for your help.

[fdb16]

I checked all the tires and the tread is great on all tires. I decided to take it out for a ride again and did notice that when the road bends to the right the noise does get softer and it feels like i vibration comes on when i begin to go straight again. I have heard that the front driver side wheel bearing is a common problem on this vehicle. I want to make absolute certain that this is the problem as you know the hub assembly isn't cheap and i am broke. I would like to fix it once. Is there anything else i can do to make certain that it is the bearing beside what i have done?

[old_master]

It's not just the left front, it's both of them that can and do wear and become noisy. There are two sets of ball bearings in each hub assembly, an inner and an outer. Noises are difficult to locate just by driving the vehicle. The best way to determine which one is noisy is with a stethoscope. Raise the front wheels, and listen as close as possible to the hub while rotating each wheel. It should be smooth and quiet, check and compare each side.

[fdb16]

Thats a great idea i will run down to cvs and grab one. I never would have thought to use a stethoscope.

[old_master]

Some auto parts stores, and Harbor Freight, have less expensive stethoscopes, made for automotive use.

[fdb16]

I just realized i never finalized this thread. As it turns out it was the driver side hub assembly. I put the new assembly in and problem solved. Thank you for your help and knowledge.

[old_master]

Thanks for posting the fix. Glad you got her repaired and that we could help. Stop back anytime with questions.