front end noise
 

put this here because not knowing where else, i have a noise in my front end, sounds like tire noise, but is not, rotated tires, checked air, not brakes, but it is like a howling or growling, been there a while, does not affect anything, checked gearboxes and front end.

the noise seems to start around 20mph, but if you make a right turn it goes away.

any ideas or help would be good, again i checked the normal stuff and see no reason.

Re: front end noise
 

wheel bearing

Re: Re: front end noise
 

I concur!^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Probably the right one. Grab it at 6:00&12:00. See if it moves.

Tim, I would suggest Timkin brand bearings. They are a sealed unit. ....$120 each .......... ->rockauto.com

SFDROIDBIONICUT2

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In the US and especially the northeast suspension parts, bearings etc usually wear out on the right side of the cars first.

SFDROIDBIONICUT2

Re: front end noise
 

Yup I would say wheel bearings. My drivers one made a clunk while making slow speed turns at around 160k. Replaced both wheel front wheel bearings & problem sloved. Ranger front wheel bearings pretty much need replacing every 100k-150k, however if you offroad it could be a lot sooner?

Re: front end noise
 

thanks guys, that is pretty much what i thought, especially when turning right it disappears and even googling it says same thing. It the wheel bearing in the hub? so pulling hub, and most of fromt wheel is in the works? what special tools do i need? this is 4wd

Re: front end noise
 

the bearing is non servicable...have to replace the whole hub...but its not that big of a deal...just have to get the brakes and CV shaft out of the way

Re: front end noise
 

I have similar symptoms and will be changing out both my wheel bearings once it warms up just a bit more- so I've bookmarked this howto. Just fyi.

http://www.fordrangerforum.com/how-s...-bearings.html

Re: front end noise
 

what? wheel bearings are serviceable...pack them full of grease usually fixes them, not all the time but sometimes

Re: Re: front end noise
 

His are not serviceable.

SFDROIDBIONICUT2

Re: front end noise
 

not on 98+ 4x4s

Re: front end noise
 

thanks much to all, i printed out the how to, doesn't look bad, have done much harder then this before but just need the 32mm axle nut socket. from what i read timken bearings are the best, not the cheap knock off crap. and it makes sense to do both at once.

Re: front end noise
 

Well i jacked it up, can not see any movement on either side at the 12 and 6 position, but based upon what i see will replace both of the wheel bearings and hubs. i have the puller and wrench to loosen hub bolt, are the threads conventional or reverse for both wheels. ??

Re: front end noise
 

id say conventional

Re: Re: front end noise
 

I agree. The left and right bearing/hub are interchangable...... so-> RTLL

Re: front end noise
 

well need some help for sure, changed right side bearing, even though it didn't seem bad, same noise, made sure all brakes are not hanging up and noise is still same, turn right it disappears, go straight and it drives you crazy. will take right hub i pulled off and swap with left, but that seems ok. thought it could be brakes dragging because i miked the new rotors and did same with old ones i put on a few months ago and the old ones were about 1/8 thinner. took off pads, ran them across surface grinder to take some off, made sure calipers were ok.. HELP