Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Vibration/Howling in front end

[Bobcat698]

I've lately noticed a vibration coming from the front end... . At least I'm PRETTY sure its the front end.



It happens mainly at lower speeds in town, but does persist up to about 50MPH.

I have recently replaced the front U-joints and front differential fluid. Also the front rotors/brakes are new.



BUT: Can low front diff fluid cause this? I just had the right side dump out some fluid on the garage floor. I'm not sure if its been possibly low for a while, I usually drive my truck at night and might not have noticed a leak earlier. .



Any ideas what it could be? Wheel bearing perhaps?



I can feel the vibration in the fuel pedal and in the steering wheel. .



It doesn't seem to happen at highway speeds.



Thanks in advance!

 

[Mhannink]

wheel bearings i had it happen in my truck the one in the sig but it vibrats up to about 60 for me and shuddered when braking and howl real bad if u want u can take the hub centers out drive around a bit and then stop and feel them if they are hot then there bad tho they might still be bad even if not wheel bearings are supposed to run cold like no heat tho ive never really checked another thing to check is jack the tire up grab it top and bottom and shake it shouldn't move at all and u need new ones its not expensive and its pretty easy i just needed a punch and hammer to get the races out and the other stuff should be just typical stuff and no special tools tho i would get the chilton or other manuel from kragen auto zone or wherever it helps on alot of stuff and can guid u really well anyways i hope that helps

 

[Bobcat698]

I have a shudder at times while braking. .

I seem to remember a wheel bearing costing ~$250 at NAPA? Don't you have to buy the whole 4 bolt ordeal?



If this is the case I could just have them fixed when I get my tires put on on Friday. .



Thanks for the input!

 

[Mhannink]

when i did my wheel bearings it was like 20 bucks or so at kragen per bearing/race times four 80 bucks 250 seems real high tho looking at kragens website it does show a wheel bearing kit for bout that price so it might be 4x4s are more ill check w/ a freind who did his on a 99 dodge 4x4 and see what his where on mine all i did was get the bearings and races and replaced them in the stock location just punched out the old ones and pounded the new ones in again ill ask my freind idk maybe dodge is different somehow

 

[CSchafer]

In 94 dodge went back to the sealed one piece baring on the 4x4's. we have replaced both sides in my dads now with 315000 miles. I've seen them from 230 to 300 dollors at the local parts stores.

 

[Mhannink]

yeah i talked to my freind and he said the same thing that it was about 250

 

[Bobcat698]

Got my 315s put on Friday. Was informed my front bearings were shot. Passenger side is the worst, drivers side has a little more time.

Found some BCA (federal mogul) bearings on Rockauto for $165 each. . They should be here by Thursday.



Not too bad of a bearing life with 195k on them!



Thanks for the help.