Front wheel bearing play.......

[DonFitzwater]

Have any of you inspected your front wheel bearing play lately? My truck developed a strange popping noise in the front end that the dealer diagnosed as shocks (they were both leaking). They replaced the shocks and the popping is still present. I've grown tired of my truck spending time at the dealership for a problem that they can't figure out so I jacked the truck up in the garage tonight and checked out the front end.

Both wheel bearings make a considerable amount of noise and have a visible amount of slop when pushing and pulling on the top of the tire. (Wheel bearings are quiet when rolled though). I used a pry bar and carefully checked the ball joints and they give only vertical play which is normal for these axle types. So, have any of you noticed loose or what you would consider sloppy front wheel bearings on these 4th gen trucks?

 

[gsbrockman]

I'm at 52,634 miles.....it's been about 11k since I rotated tires, changed the oil, and changed the fuel filters. At my last servicing, everything was tight on my truck.....and the tire wear shows it. I do check everything (inspect brake pads, shake down the front end) at every oil change. How many miles are on your truck???

 

[DonFitzwater]

Just rolling over 12k miles.

 

[JLandry]

DFitzwater,

Do you drive on a lot of rough roads?

John L.

 

[DonFitzwater]

I've driven the "haul road" twice with it so far. About 2k round trip for both of my trips combined. It's not really that bad of a road though it is silty and that can certainly take out some bearings. I'd expect a little noise with a silt type failure. The rest of the driving has been normal highway and city type driving.

 

[HorseMan-AR]

I'm at 52,634 miles.....it's been about 11k since I rotated tires, changed the oil, and changed the fuel filters. At my last servicing, everything was tight on my truck.....and the tire wear shows it. I do check everything (inspect brake pads, shake down the front end) at every oil change. How many miles are on your truck???

Hey Greg, did you have any play in the rear? I just tugged on my front and rear tires...very little in front, but a fair amount in rear. I'm just grabbing the top of the tire and tugging back and forth. In the rear of this 6.4 Hemi, I can feel the play. Is that normal?

 

[gsbrockman]

Hey Greg, did you have any play in the rear? I just tugged on my front and rear tires...very little in front, but a fair amount in rear. I'm just grabbing the top of the tire and tugging back and forth. In the rear of this 6.4 Hemi, I can feel the play. Is that normal?

I'd imagine it's not normal, D. The only thing I could think it might be is a little play just in the axle shafts.....to be honest, I've never checked anything on the rear of my truck. Maybe the coil rear suspension has a little more play than a leaf sprung rear suspension???