Intermittent popping noise while driving (NOT TURNING)

[dap1906]

good afternoon, i'm new to the forum and i'm hoping someone can help with this problem. i'm hearing an intermittent popping noise when i'm driving my '02 Tahoe. it doesn't happen when i'm turning. i have no idea what it is. but i'm guessing it could be related to something in the suspension. i'm not an expert mechanic. but i have my reference manual and do a lot of my own repairs. if anyone could point me in the right direction i'd appreciate it. Thanks in advance!

 

[Donnie Yukonie]

describe the "popping sound" for instance when does it happen? going over bumps? level road? does it change with braking or accel? also post mileage and if it is 4x4 or 2x4

 

[dap1906]

thanks for responding. its got 170K miles and it's a 4x4. the popping happens intermittently when i'm driving on level ground, hills, bumps. speed doesn't matter. i think i've found the answer though. i've get a wiggle in the pass side front tire when it's in the air. so i'm guessing it's the wheel bearing. but i'm wondering why i didn't get the whining/grinding noise like i did on the driver side when that one went bad?

 

[Donnie Yukonie]

ok and yea most wheel bearings that i notice go bad have a whine or grinding noise but if it has play up or down id start there however most hub issues ive experienced gets worse with turning the wheel while moving