Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Noise coming from front end?

[DBeeman]

I noticed a noise today, sounds like it is coming from the front end. Sounds almost like a clatter, duller than the old cards in spokes. Noise is now accompanied by a squeal, sounds almost like metal on metal. Sound ceases when I put truck into 4WD. Looking for any ideas, I crawled under with a good light, and I can find nothing out of the ordinary, and of course I can't pinpoint exactly where the noise is coming from. I had the brakes, and the upper and lower ball joints replaced back in August, needs a new steering gear box, as this one is loose, and they said it can't be adjusted, other than that?? I checked the oil in the front and rear diffs, and I checked my U joints, and no play in any of them. Truck has 92K.



Dave

 

[SeanM]

Does it do it while driving? What speed does it start makeing the noise? If the noise is while driving does it speed up when you drive faster? Can you feel anything in the wheel?



Just 2 ideas off the top of my head

Might be a front wheel bearing. To replace ball joints you need to remove the hub bearing. Alot of times the ill trained mechs dont realize that you are suppose loosen the four bolts on the backside of the hub and gently hammer on them to get the hub to come out. instead they beat the flange and mess up the bearing. Not saying your mechanic did this but it is a possibilty. I have seen it quite a few times. Anyways I would start there. You could jack up the front end and spin the tire to see if its that making the noise and see if theres any side to side movment.



Second, are your inner fender wells intact? It may sound dumb but I chased a ghost for 3 days because the front of the inner fender broke loose of the plastic clips and would push into the tire with the wind from driving, making a sound similar to cards in spokes . When I would stop or slow down it would go back in place. I went over ever freaking inch of my truck looking for it. Finally found it when I was taking my caliper and rotor off to look at the wheel bearing.



Yes your gear box can be adjusted, its a pain in the ***** to do it the right way but it can be done.