99 Front end - again

[MikeD266]

99... Z71... LS... 5.3L... 4x4... 249k miles

Couple of weeks ago I was having an issue with what I thought was a wheel bearing. http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=976029

Turns out I was half right as the axle nut was loose. Tightened it up and everything was fine - or so I thought. Couple of days ago I start getting a significant vibe in the front end both audible and transmitting through the steering column. Shows up between 40 and 65 mph. Smooths out over 65 but the hum is still there. Sounds and feels like I'm running really aggressive off road tires. Checked both axle nuts again and both are tight. Doesn't seem to be any play in either side.

I'm "hoping" that a front shaft u-joint has decided to go as I don't think either front UJ has been replaced yet after 249k. Crawling under to grapple with the front shaft ASAP but if that's not it any thoughts as to where to look next? Inner/outer CVs?

Old Master had mentioned that the wheel hubs have inner and outer bearings in the above thread. Any chance that the bearing could be causing this w/o showing signs of wear/wiggle?

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by MikeD266

99... Z71... LS... 5.3L... 4x4... 249k miles

Couple of weeks ago I was having an issue with what I thought was a wheel bearing. http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=976029

Turns out I was half right as the axle nut was loose. Tightened it up and everything was fine - or so I thought. Couple of days ago I start getting a significant vibe in the front end both audible and transmitting through the steering column. Shows up between 40 and 65 mph. Smooths out over 65 but the hum is still there. Sounds and feels like I'm running really aggressive off road tires. Checked both axle nuts again and both are tight. Doesn't seem to be any play in either side.

I'm "hoping" that a front shaft u-joint has decided to go as I don't think either front UJ has been replaced yet after 249k. Crawling under to grapple with the front shaft ASAP but if that's not it any thoughts as to where to look next? Inner/outer CVs?

Old Master had mentioned that the wheel hubs have inner and outer bearings in the above thread. Any chance that the bearing could be causing this w/o showing signs of wear/wiggle?

where were these wheel bearings made CHINA ? reports have indicated these chinese bearings are common to quick failure...