I get this strange (and loud) grinding noise when turning left, the noise frequency is dependent on the speed, the slower the truck's turning the less frequent the grinding. So it's definitely wheel, bearing related. I changed out both the inner and outer bearings (not the races though). I noticed three of four minor nicks on the stub axle when I changed out the inner bearing. However, the noise is still there. The fibre/plastic inner fender liners are pretty torn up but no loose pieces dangling so I wonder if that could be it. I also wonder if tightening the axle nut more could be it too? I finger tightened it and then used the channel lock pliers to turn it maybe 2mm or so - just barely.

I know my ball joint's shot, it's leaking grease but that can't be it. There's no play in the wheel when moved at 3'0clock and 9'0clock or 12 o'clock or 6 o'clock.

Any ideas?

 

Check your sway bar bushings. Mine are toast and making that noise,m just waiting for them to come in.

 

Hmm the sway bar bushings shouldn't make the wrrr,wrrr,wrrr sound that changes with speed. It's almost like the wheel's rubbing the fender liner but I'm pretty sure it's not, or that it's the wheel bearing.

 

Wheel/hub bearing is bad. Jack up the truck and wiggle each front tire. It'll have movement in it.

 

that wheel hub bearing, or cv joint if you have 4 wheel drive. it was the wheel bearing in mine on the left side that went last, waiting for the right side to go now. that bearing had so little movement when doing the side to side test that i was sure it was the cv joint and changed that first, but it was the bearing, it doesnt take much for it to vibrate

 

Yeah I did replace the bearings but I didn't replace the seals since it looked like a pain to drive out without the seal/bearing driver. How do you guys adjust the axle nuts, how tight?

 

I don't want to sound stupid, but, how did you replace the bearings without removing the seals ? You do realize there is an inner and outer bearing on each side right ?

 

I guess we'll never know.