99 4WD with vibration/sounds like a stepper motor noise when rolling in 2WD from the front end.I want to remove drivers side axleshaft and take for a spin to see if it is the axle bearing .. has anyone performed this before to troubleshoot? I don't feel like changing a PITA bearing if its the CV..

 

I would say you can tell if the bearings are bad with out removing the axles.. just jack the car up and pull side to side and up and down on the tire... if you get any play its either a bearing, ball joint, or tie rod... just look in the back and you can tell what part ifs wobbling

 

You take out the CV and fluid will run out. Don't drive like this if you like your front gears. You will be into it even more $.

+1 durangoguy16

 

+1 on the do not drive with half shaft out. Your wheel will then fall off in short order. The front bearings are not meant to be operated without a shaft installed and bolted in.


Dg 16 has given good advice as for proceeding with a diagnosis.

Don

 

one way to diag wheel bearings is the sound is a howl/grown noise. make a turn. example if u turn left and the howl goes away the right wheel bearing is bad. and vise versa for the other side. easiest way to diag wheel bearings. however it is reccommended to change wheel bearings in pairs. if you have the proper tools usually you can have a one side done in about a hour or less provided there is not excessive rust/seizing.