So I had a growling/howling/roaring noise coming from the front end for quite some time now, well over a year. The pitch is speed dependent and quite loud. Sounds like a WWII bomber airplane when I'm on the freeway. I attributed it to the Cooper Discover HT tires I bought (they are a highway tire but I figured wear was the culprit). The noise started very gradually, at first barely noticeable. It sounded like knobby off-road tires. So I spend $1500 on a new set of Michelin LTX M/S2's to replace my 18 month old coopers. Pull out of the tire lot and bam, exact same noise. Man was I upset.

I got a mechanic buddy to look at it at find out both front hubs (wheel bearings) are shot. You gotta be freaking kidding me. A 3-year old truck with 60k miles needs new wheel bearings? I had a 57 chevy that didn't need wheel bearings til 30 years later. My 70 buick has never had new wheel bearings. Anyway $600 later, its fixed but am frustrated beyond belief. A new truck should NOT need wheel bearings.

There was 1/2" of lateral freeplay in each tire, top and bottom. There were metal shavings on the outside backside of the hubs. I had made many 400 mile trips on the interstate with this condition. Its a wonder I haven't had a wreck

 

What year truck? I check mine every time I flip tires. I just changed to snows and mine were OK. I didn't notice any plat anyway. I have 53000 now so I guess I'lll be watching. Any indication what happened?

 

Stock sized tires? Usually unit bearings are good for at least 150-200K

 

__________________
Scott
09 SLT QC 25L 4x2 5.7L 3.92 LSD 20"
05 Crossfire Coupe Limited 3.2L auto
70 Buick GS 455 4-speed


Was at bottom of post.
Mine has 58k, mostly highway, so far so good!

 

It is a 2009. First indication was the noise coming on. Very faint and gradual and first.

I'm guilty of not checking for play at oil change or tire rotation (I have had coupons so I get my dealer to rotate for me). You would think the dealer would check this.

 

Yes stock size. I would think I should get at least 150k out of them.

 

The mechanic was like "Wow, I gotta get my boss to check this out". Bossman comes out and shakes them down and is like "Holy crap, these things are way loose".

I replaced them with NSK brand from NAPA, made in Korea. P/N was BR930808, for trucks built after 12/7/09.

 

Are you the original owner? I would have thought that the unit bearings would be part of the drivetrain warranty.

 

no doubt that shoulld be coverd under the warranty

 

Yes, i am original owner. I did not check, not sure it's what they would call "powertrain"