Hello-

I have a 2016 Ram 1500 4wd. I've been driving the truck in 4wd lock recently, and have noticed a low humming noise coming from the passenger side front when turning left or braking at low speeds (30mph and below).

This only happens if the truck is in 4wd lock. No noise at all in 2wd.

There is no popping, the noise is humming, almost like a worn brake pad would sound like before it's metal to metal screeching. I lifted the truck and tried to move the wheel to see if it's the bearing, but couldn't find any play.

I have a set of brake pads and a wheel hub kit on order. My buddy suggests it could be the CV joint.

Before I take it apart, I wanted to check here if someone had a better idea or some procedure to pinpoint the issue.

Thanks so much-
Lajos

 

Based on your description I'd tend to agree with your buddy that it could be the outer CV joint. The only part that doesn't quite fit with that is that you hear the noise as well when braking. Do you know if that CV joint has ever had the boot replaced? It's not very common for a CV joint to wear out unless the boot is or has been damaged at some point, allowing contaminants to get in the grease.

A worn wheel bearing would still make the noise even when in 2WD.

 

Thanks for the reply!

I looked at the CV joint and the boot seems intact with nothing leaking. I don't believe the boot or CV joint has ever been replaced.

Until the suggestion to see if it's making the noise in 2wd, I was convinced it was the wheel hub. There is zero noise in 2wd, it drives like butter. The only other suggestion I've seen is the transfer case bearing.

I agree it's weird that it also makes noise while braking (which also goes away as soon as I put it in 2wd).

Since everything is frozen here in New England right now and working on it outside wouldn't be fun, I made an appointment with a Ram dealer to look at it. I still have powertrain warranty to 60k, so depending on what the issue is, it might be covered.

 

did you ever figure it out having same problem thanks