sounds like a bearing???

I need everyones help i have a 01 4wd ext cab and about 25-35mph i have a bearing noise somewhere but it sounds like it coming from the rearend!! When you put a trailer behind it with a little weight its worse!! I have had it on the lift and we have tried to figure it out but just nothing concrete yet. I have a some extra play in the pinion but just dont KNOW!!! HELP PLEASE

 

more than likely you have a rear wheel bearing going out. if you can get a hold of some chassis ears you can tell which one. if not raise it up and put a screwdriver to each wheel and then put your ear to it.

 

Probably just a rear wheel bearing! I had one of mine go out because my axle seal blew! Not hard al all to change just pull of the wheel and tire, brake and then there are 4 bolts on the backside of the brake housing holding the axle on! Remove these bolts and pull the axle out and there you go!

 

oh and when i go into a right curve it quits and going straight and left curves still there!! Thanks

 

I'll bet a dollar that it is a axle bearing.. the right curve turn puts the bearing balls/rollers away from the screwed up side of the bearing, hence the noise goes away. usually the constantly dirty side (outside) of the bearing goes out first, and then it takes the rest out rapidly. those are delicate surfaces in there and once they get scratched or gall,,,game over.

Pinion bearing would be a constant annoying growl, off power or on,,and only get worse as the pinion gear takes out the ring gear,,yikes.

 

so which side would you think it is??

 

Is one side or the other loosing gear oil?? (leaking seal).

If not,,,you will have to get the truck up on jackstands(reguardless),,put it in neutral, remove the brake drums (and possibly front rotors) and spin hubs and axles so you can listen and feel. slightly pushing in and turning very slowly will take the slack out of the bearing and allow you to feel the grittyness,,might needs to pull on said hubs and axles and do the same.

It's a tough gig trying to find a bad axle drive bearing,,unless the thing explodes or starts shaving off visible metal somewhere,,,like on the backing plate behind the brake shoes.

So which side would I check first?? I would check the right side,, on the average it takes more outside side load due to the crown of the highway/road. (just a starting point)

 

Replace them both if you replace them.

 

Thanks for the info!! I think i will do them both at the same time bearings and all seals. Thanks again!!!!!

 

ok today i put it in 4wd and it want do it???? SO WHAT NOW

 

When you tested it in 4wd, did you have it on Jackstands/rack? or on highway?. the 4wd might have been masking it.

 

I was driving down the road. any sugg??

 

Im having a very similiar problem. I have squeking coming from what sounds like the rear right wheel, but only when going from 0-10mph and it stops. Just greased the driveline and recently had the brakes serviced so neither of those would be the problem. I think it may have something to do with driving in water. We had some thudnerstorms down here in Arizona a few weeks ago and the streets were flooded. I popped it and 4WD and charging through the water. I wonder if the water pressure cleaned out the grease.

My question is this. Is it possible to re-grease a wheel bearing or should I just plan on replacing them. is $90 the avg price for one?

 

I know you cant grease them they are sealed so you will have to replace them!! Im just having a problem figuring out EXACTLY where its coming from because i dont want to replace parts for NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!