Lets see what you guys think. I have a 2001 Durango 4.7L 4x4. Recently the truck began making a noise in the front end, and I am having trouble diagnosing it. The noise becomes obvious at about 15-20mph and remains from there. It appears to come from the drivers side, and when turning to the right, at a point, the noise ceases. The best way to describe the noise is a groan, described by my 7 y/o daughter as sounding like a boat motor. You can feel the vibration also through the steering wheel, and through the floor of the truck.
Both hub assemlbies were replaced less than 8 months ago. Checking the tires there is no slack, and no exess heat coming from any of the parts. My concern now is that this is something to do with the front diff. noise/grinding/groaning all present with 4x4 engaged, transmission in neutral, and even while rolling with neutral (towing)switch engaged.
Anyone have any idea's???
Thanks in advance

 

I'll have the driver side hub checked. Sounds like it to me. Mine would moan and groan and would get quiet when I was in a turn.

 

Sounds like a classic wheel bearing on the drivers side. Sometimes they are bad from improper pressing at the shop.

 

thanks guys, thats still my gut feeling, but it's hard to convince my resident shadetree mechanic that it the case since there is no slack in the wheel.
I'll probably pull it and replace it to see if that solves the problem if not, we'll go from there.