Archived Squeaking noise from the frontend

[klaybus]

My brother in law just took about a 200 mile trip across the state in his 02 Ram & just called me to report a squeaking squeel noise coming from his frontend. Thinking wheel bearing but unsure. Any suggestions? We're in Washington state & it's past 5pm so any type of service station is out. He's got to get back to Seattle by tomorrow night for work Monday so any ideas would be appreciated.



TIA,

Clay

 

[JLandry]

Clay,



Did he say the squeaking noise sounded like it was occurring at the same speed with the rotation of a tire? If that's the case, then yes it could be a wheel bearing but it's possible it's just brake components worn and / or rubbing.



If brake components, usually the sound will change (get louder or go away) when the brakes are applied.



If it's a wheel bearing, sometimes the sounds will change significantly when turning corners. You might suggest to him he drive the truck at low speed in a parking lot making figure 8 turns to see if the sound changes.



Another couple of quick tests are to jack up the front end and slowly spin each tire feeling and listening for anything abnormal, and the last test might be to try and rock the tire from side to side (pull alternately on top and bottom from side of tire) to see if it has and play (indicating slop in the wheel bearing).



Regards,



John L.

 

[klaybus]

Thanks for the input John. I'm waiting for him to call me back & I'll pass on your suggestions.



Clay