I have an 01 Dakota, V6, 4x4, Quad cab. Recently getting a light thunking sound from the front end at about 5 mph. When I accelerate it turns into a whinning sound that gets louder the faster I go. At about 40mph it sounds similar to tires whining, but happens on all road surface types. I'm able to feel a slight vibration along with it. I have had the ball joint recall repaired as well as the sway bar bushings replaced (4 TIMES!!) The sound only changes with the speed. There is no pitch change while shifting or braking. Please help!! THANKS!!

 

Man, it's hard to diagnose these things online. Things that are running through my head............my front differential gearing had to be replaced before with kind of similar issues but I'm not sold on that. Power steering pump? Do you have to be driving or does it happen if you just raise the rpm's in park/neutral? Transmission could also be the issue referring the noise forward. Anything else?

 

I only notice the noise at about 5mph or higher. I actually put it into neutral at about 45mph reved it up and no change in the pitch. I've also had it in park and turn the wheel and only get normal power steering pump noise. THANKS!

 

That only leaves me thinking front differential/axle components. Take it to someone and give us an update.

 

you might also check your front hub bearings, just jack up each side one at a time and shake your wheel from side to side and top and bottom the same way. if it seems tight then you may have a diff prob. trust me you will know if they are loose.

 

Jacked up the front end today. Only got what seems to be normal play in the wheels. Is the front drive shaft suppose to spin when its not in 4X4? Last night I turned the engine off coasted down the hill in neutral and got them same sound. So that rules out any sort of engine noise.

 

I would agree and also add brakes to the list, not real likely but shouldn't be overlooked
when driving press the brake slightly, just enough to get your calipers to move.
the problem has to do with parts that move separate from the engine, at least it narrowed down

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Done that. No change in sound while braking.

 

hmmm.
it might not be fully out of 4wd
it definately sounds like its in the axle or diff.
I have limited experience with 4x4 but i did just talk to my sister who is near the mechanic so she will talk to him and get some feedback.
I'll let you know what he says
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THANKS!!!! Another question. Is the front drive shaft suppose to spin when not in 4x4?