2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Some noise diagnosis help...

[Beast2B]

I've been hearing a couple noises lately that I can't figure out. One is a clicking sound while decelerating (engine braking). It doesn't happen while coasting. I thought it was a U-joint going, but they are fairly tight. Sounds like a bearing, but which one? Also, I occasionally hear a squeak at low speed. Sounds like the front right wheel. Maybe the front bearing assembly going out? I only have 91k miles, but I've been running 37s for 70k...

Any suggestions where to look and a good driveway check?

 

[fest3er]

U-joints and center support bearing.

Visually inspect the ujoints (front, rear, front axle) for tell-tale rust.

Put it in 4-low, be sure it's fully engaged. Roll the window down and shift between forward and reverse; you might have to move a little in either direction. If an axle ujoint is failing, you should hear a 'raspy' click. You'll also hear noise when turning (low speed, moderate turns) on dry ground or pavement in 4WD.

Less probable is the center-support bearing. I had one that would whirr-whirr-whirr under accel or decel, but not when the drivetrain was 'unloaded'. Squeaking under load isn't out of the question.

 

[JMcCoy]

X2 on both. My money would be on the hub bearing. That's exactly what mine did for a few months, before it went out on me doing 70 mph. Very scary. It went out on me at around 90,000 miles as well. I would change it now. Good luck.

 

[Beast2B]

thanks for the replies.

are there any driveway checks for the hub bearings? will I hear any grinding or noises while spinning the wheel/tire on a jackstand? feel any resistance? get any loose play rocking the wheel/tire top & bottom? I'd really like to diagnose the problem, but I will be changing the u-joints anyway. 70k-ish miles with the lift and 37" tires can be tough even though I drive it like a grandpa (wait, I am a grandpa!).

I think it's time to fix the issues and sell it. I need a stock-ish truck for towing heavy and less maintenance!

 

[JMcCoy]

I'm sure the hubs will show signs they are worn out. You would probably have to remove the calipers, to isolate the noise. When I heard the noise, I just turned the radio up, thinking it was just a caliper dragging. I almost lost the wheel doing 70mph. After that, I just changed the other hub. The thought of losing another hub was too terrifying. If your changing the axle u-joints, change the hub. You have to remove them to get to the u-joints anyways. 70,000 with 37" tires. I'd say they are probably shot. Good luck. Let us know how it works out.