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Is this a bad wheel bearing?

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Old Sep 4, 2023 | 03:53 PM
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Default Is this a bad wheel bearing?

Here is the Video of noise that I heard when spinning my front passenger side wheel. Does anyone know if this is because of a bad bearing or what?
 
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Old Sep 4, 2023 | 05:20 PM
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Turning the wheel won't tell you if it's a wheel bearing. Steering rack, Tie rod, Ball joint maybe.
 

Last edited by aleekat; Sep 4, 2023 at 06:11 PM.
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Old Sep 4, 2023 | 06:15 PM
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If those wheel bearings haven't been changed before, that would be a good place to start. Also, I'd plan on replacing those U-joints at the wheel, too. Lastly, please check the gear oil in the front differential to ensure it's not low.
 
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Old Sep 5, 2023 | 01:25 AM
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I bet that noise is coming from that dry U-joint. There is no grease for needles to ride on, so they're just metal to metal.
 
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Old Sep 5, 2023 | 01:28 AM
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Originally Posted by aleekat
Turning the wheel won't tell you if it's a wheel bearing. Steering rack, Tie rod, Ball joint maybe.
Without taking anything apart, turning the wheel tell exactly if the wheel bearing is bad. Though it needs more speed than on the video.
 
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Old Sep 5, 2023 | 08:05 AM
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Let me clarify. Turning the "Steering Wheel" will not tell you if the bearing is bad. Spinning the tire might. Any growling driving or turning?
 
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Old Sep 5, 2023 | 08:16 AM
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Look at the u joint! See all the red dust /rust coming from it? It's bad! You can move the wheels so they are straight ahead and do the same test and i bet the noise goes away. Replace them with nothing less than Spicer SPL's unless you like replacing them.
 
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Old Sep 5, 2023 | 09:51 AM
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I always look for play in wb's by shaking tire at 12 and 6, but you gotta be positive you're not finding ball joint play instead.

It is possible for a wb to be tight but noisy. Just had this on an XJ. If I suspected that I'd pull the caliper and pads to be sure I'm not hearing brake noise. If it still appears to be bearing, go ahead and pull the bearing and spin it in-hand. It should sound dry, be otherwise noisy, or feel crunchy or rough.

And yeah, front axle u-joints are constantly neglected. Almost surely bad if they haven't been replaced in the past few years. Order a solid Spicer or Neapco now. If you don't need it, you have one on hand.
 
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Old Sep 5, 2023 | 01:03 PM
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Nevermind
 
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