I have a 2006 1500 Sport 4x4. I have noticed a strange noise coming from the right front. The best way to describe it is an intermittent squeal/rubbing noise. When accelerating the squeal gets faster until I hit about 20 mph and the noise goes away…almost like something is sticking and breaks loose when picking up speed.
This usually happens after the truck has been sitting (For 30 minutes+).
I have also noticed a slight vibration when driving 20+ mph.
I jacked the truck up and when turning the wheel by hand it binds up at the same point in the rotation each revolution. After hitting this one spot it frees back up.
My first thought was the front brakes were sticking so I replaced Pads, rotors and calipers…still have the problem.
Does it sound like the hub is on its way out? Or something else?

 

jack up the truck grab the top and bottom of the tire push/pull. That will check the hub bearing. They can go bad with no play. It does sound like yours maybe really bad if its binding up.

 

When you replaced the pads, did you replace those little clips that hold the pads in place?

 

I have tried jacking it up and there is no play when pushing/pulling on the wheel...seems to be solid.

Yes I did replace the clips with brand new ones.

I also notcied that the tire is bowed (causing the tire to wear more on the outside)...maybe this is causing extra stress on something?

 

a bad wheele bearing may not have play in it. but most do.