Attention: TDR Forum Junkies I just finished a 2600 mile trip, and for about 1700 miles of it I noticed a noise that appears to be coming from the front of the truck. Here are the specifics: The noise sounds similar to the drone sound you hear from WWII airplanes in movies. It could also be described as the sound you hear when you run over the warning grooves between the driving surface and shoulder (though not n early as loud), or the sound you hear when someone drives by you with a flat tire. The sound changes pitch with speed, but does not get much louder. It's not an obnoxious sound, and is generally low key. I believe it is always present, but becomes very noticeable at about 30 mph and higher. If I turn the steering wheel to the left, even slightly (such as changing lanes or a natural driving correction) it goes away. If I turn the wheel to the right it becomes more noticeable, and is also present when driving straight ahead. The sound does send a slight vibration to the steering wheel, but it has nothing to do with the drive shaft. I've eliminated that possibility that it is a belt, as it is not present when the truck is stopped and the engine is revved with the transmission in neutral. But it is present when rolling, even when the engine is in neutral. The only thing I can think of is that it has something to do with the brakes, bearings (God forbid!
) or the power steering. I'm not leaking fluids of any kind, so I wonder about the power steering. Can the power steering pump make such a noise without leaks? The sound is similar to the grinding sound associated with that. I'm dreading the possibility that it's bearings, but since they are sealed I tend to doubt it. The noise doesn't sound like it is dangerously grinding away at anything, but since noise=friction=wear I know something is being negatively impacted by whatever is happening. There is absolutely no drop in performance from the truck or engine. It rolls straight down the road, even when pulling a 12,000 trailer. I'm still getting excellent fuel economy and an infrared thermometer pointed at the hubs after some highway driving showed all four wheels radiating the same temperature.
Any help is appreciated, because if it isn't the power steering I'm stumped. I hate tracking down noises without a visual clue to go by. Plus, I don't think it would be a big problem for me to change out a power steering pump.
) or the power steering. I'm not leaking fluids of any kind, so I wonder about the power steering. Can the power steering pump make such a noise without leaks? The sound is similar to the grinding sound associated with that. I'm dreading the possibility that it's bearings, but since they are sealed I tend to doubt it. The noise doesn't sound like it is dangerously grinding away at anything, but since noise=friction=wear I know something is being negatively impacted by whatever is happening. There is absolutely no drop in performance from the truck or engine. It rolls straight down the road, even when pulling a 12,000 trailer. I'm still getting excellent fuel economy and an infrared thermometer pointed at the hubs after some highway driving showed all four wheels radiating the same temperature. Any help is appreciated, because if it isn't the power steering I'm stumped. I hate tracking down noises without a visual clue to go by. Plus, I don't think it would be a big problem for me to change out a power steering pump.
