Front wheel noise

[Mickey_7106]

For a while I've had a high pitch sweeping noise that gets louder at high speeds. Always suspected it was the wheel hub going bad. There's also a vibration and shake in the steering wheel that's gotten worse.

Yesterday i decided to test the hub before i order it and there's no play on either driver or passenger wheels in the 12 /6 position. There's a very small amount 9/3 position but i think that's just normal play in the steering.

In the last 6 months I've installed new brakes and had all 4 wheels road force balanced because of the developing steering wheel shake and vibration. Not sure what's going on, any ideas?

 

[wjburken]

For a while I've had a high pitch sweeping noise that gets louder at high speeds. Always suspected it was the wheel hub going bad. There's also a vibration and shake in the steering wheel that's gotten worse.

Yesterday i decided to test the hub before i order it and there's no play on either driver or passenger wheels in the 12 /6 position. There's a very small amount 9/3 position but i think that's just normal play in the steering.

In the last 6 months I've installed new brakes and had all 4 wheels road force balanced because of the developing steering wheel shake and vibration. Not sure what's going on, any ideas?

Does the sound change when you turn and if so, is it worse when you turn left or when you turn right?

I had my passenger side front wheel bearing go bad about a month ago and I didn’t feel any play when grabbing the wheel at 12-6 but when I took it off, it sounded like a roulette wheel when I spun it. Had all the other classic signs; noticeable when going straight, almost gone when turning right and louder when turning left.

Might also look to see if one of your CV shafts have a blown boot and has slung the grease out of it.

 

[Doubeleive]

did you spin the wheels and listen for noise, it could be tight and bad, also did you check the brakes? is it 4wd? did you check for any noise from the front diff? also look around at any splash guards and see if one is loose and is moving/making noise in the wind. you can check the tie rods and related parts while you are under there that could be the cause of a shimmy/shake maybe. have a helper turn the steering wheel while you look under the truck and see what has play in it.

 

[OR VietVet]

Yea, the noise and the vibes may be 2 separate problems. Check the brakes for hanging up or hardware rubbing. If driving straight and hear the noise and move the steering wheel slightly right and then left. Not a 12 to 3 turn but more like 12 to 2. If you hear the noise turning left the right front hub bearing is loaded and the noise source. Turn the other way and the other hub is the problem. Swap the front tires to rear and see what happens. If vibes/noise go to rear, the tires have something to do with the problems.

Plus, a good thorough inspection of the front steering and suspension components should be done. Best to have a second hand when you do this. There are established steps for doing this.