'02 Dakota, manual 3.9, little over 200K, motor mounts, trans mount, U-joints all replaced in last 18mos. No pulling, no weird wear on tires.


Been noticing an increasing low roaring sound, seemingly up front, but I know sound can travel from a failing diff too. Sound increases with road speed, but independent of revs. Slow leak on power steering pump, but I keep it topped off. I don't know the sound they make when they've given up the ghost. A buddy suggested it could be a failing diff (from hearing the longer vid). But in shorter vid, can hear variation as i move steering wheel. Ideas on where to start?

If vids don't work, please LMK

Thanks in advance.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/w5knuKfqyHXrgZVE9

https://photos.app.goo.gl/8BJPFSsk6Hs3qxEeA

 

More than likely wheel bearing. Does it go away if you steer a specific direction?

 

The noise is stil there when I turn either direction, but the pitch changes versus straight ahead.

Thanks.

 

That's likely a wheel bearing then. Go someplace you can 'play', (large parking lot, with very few obstacles....) drive along at 20-25 mph, so you can hear the noise, and turn HARD, what does the noise do? If it gets worse, than the wheel bearing on the OUTSIDE of the turn is the problem, if it gets quieter, the bearing on the INSIDE of the turn is the problem. If it doesn't change, may be a rear bearing, or, a host of other things.

 

Will do this weekend. Thanks.