Speed Dependent Growl

[LesStallings]

2WD truck, so no front axle issues...



The truck has developed a growl that is road speed dependent, not RPM or load dependent.



Could it be a front wheel bearing or drive shaft u-joint?? I have no vibrations.



70K miles on the truck. I did put two new tires on the front, but they appear to be OK. I may get the tires checked on the balancer to see if they or one of them are the problem.



Other suggestions for my search??



Thanks.

 

[Diesel Nut]

I think I would be doing a bearing inspection. Good chance to check the brakes anyhow. Also, after 70K on a truck that heavy, I think repacking the bearings is a great idea. What could it hurt?



Also, did this show up after the new tires? Also, are the new tires different from the old tires (tread, brand, ect)? Just thinkin. . . .

 

[LesStallings]

Exact same tires - all match. BUT - it seems that the tires are the only thing that changed, BUT - the noise did not show up until after a 1,000 miles after they were installed. I would like to think a bad tire could be the problem and take a while (1k) to go bad...



I guess it is time for a brake pad/rotor and wheel bearing look-see.



Thanks.

 

[DPKetchum]

Front bearings are sealed. Part of hub assy.

 

[LesStallings]

I'm not sure that is good news, DPK... I guess I have to go to the dealer.

 

[Alan Reagan]

What kind and type of tires? Have you tried rotating front to rear to see if the growl disappears?

 

[LesStallings]

What kind and type of tires? Have you tried rotating front to rear to see if the growl disappears?

I've got Goodyear Wrangler SR-A LT235/80R17 all around, with the two front ones new (4k miles) and the 4 in the rear at about 60% tread life.



Just before my latest cross country round trip, I had the new front tires mounted. For the first 2k miles or so, the truck was quiet and the growling or noticeable hum (almost like the fan noise) only began on the return trip. I know it is not the fan, since it is road speed dependent, not motor speed.



I am going to lower the inflation pressure back to my normal unloaded value and see if the noise changes in any way. That will be easier than trying to rotate tires on a dually with varing tread depth. Any change in the noise will confirm the source to be on of the front tires I think.



If that's not it, wheel bearings or u-joints will be my next check.

 

[K5IP]

Usually u joints are at least somewhat load dependent.

Rog

 

[catoiler]

What speeds and does it do it with accell or decell?I would check the rear end. when was the last time you changer the fluid?

 

[LesStallings]

I hear the noise from about 40 MPH and up. It is no different accelerating, coasting, or deaccelerating. The level of the noise only changes with speed changes. I can engage the clutch at 60 MPH and let the engine idle and the noise stays the same.



All fluids are changed according to the "B" Schedule (heavy use).



I just finished swaping the front tires, left to right, right to left and the noise did not change. It is more predominate on the right side now, just as it was more predominate on the right side before.



I'm thinking that the right wheel bearing may be going. I tried to notice if the noise changed turning right or left, but really could not distinguish any difference. While the wheel was up off the ground, I rotated the wheel and could not hear any grinding, wobble, etc. The brake pads looked about 50% and there was no problems with the rotors.



Off to the 5star next week, I guess. I've got a good relationship with the service manager and they let me "participate" in their work, spectator at least.



I appreciate everyones suggestions.

 

[Diesel Nut]

Keep us posted. Good luck! Hope its nothing serious.

 

[LesStallings]

I finally had time to take the truck in for normal servicing and to check out the noise. While several people that rode with me thought the noise was coming from the right side, the tech was sure the bad bearing was on the driver's side. Up on the rack, we could actually feel it better than hear it.



After $360 in parts (hub/bearing assembly) and $150 in labor, the problem is fixed. Now I know what to listen for when the other side goes out...



It's actually an easy job (with lift and air tools). Hopefully by the time the other side needs changing, my garage/shop will be back functonal.

 

[roadking]

betya its a u-joint

 

[LesStallings]

betya its a u-joint

You lose...



Before new hub - noise



After new hub - no noise



Definitely was the wheel bearing in the hub assembly.



BUT, I do have a set of 351's ready to put into service in the near future.