Replaced Wheel Bearing to No Effect

2006 4x4 Access Cab, 70,000 mi and no modifications. Just replaced the passenger side wheel bearing yesterday, as all indicators were pointing to a problem there (play in wheel, hum that went away when turning right). However, still have the exact same vibration that I can feel through the pedals and floor board, especially at about 35 mph.

What would be a recommended next step? Tire rotation/balancing? Greasing U-joints?

 

Try rotating tires and see if the problem follows the tire.

What kinda tires are you running? Are the treads chopped up/unevenly worn? any play in the CV shafts? axle nuts properly torqued?

Do you grease the U-joints regularly? If not and they're dry, then greasing them after you start getting vibrations is likely too late, as the damage has already started.

Could also be the needle bearing on the front diff. Does the problem go away in 4wd? Could be a good time to replace that bearing with the ECGS bushing before self-destructs and takes out the front diff.

 

This ^

 

I'd do the tire swap first. Might check your driveshaft carrier bearing -- the rubber part might be toast.

 

If you turn right and the noise goes away, IME it's the front LH bearing that's bad. YMMV, but this has held true for me.

But maybe you have a tire problem as said.

 

Yeah, I'm betting it's the opposite bearing as well.

 

Thanks for all of the advice. Fighting daylight post-work this week but hopefully can check a few of these tomorrow and can share some findings.

 

Yes. That is true.

Turning right places MORE load on the left wheel.
And LESS load on the right wheel.

Less load = Less noise.

 

So, no change whatsoever after doing all of the following: rotating tires, greasing and checking u-joints (no play), checked CV shafts (no play), checked carrier bearing (looks solid). Assuming the most logical next step would be to replace the driver side wheel hub?

 

bearings are usually replaced in pairs.

you could check the balance and condition of your propshaft as well as measure free spin and roadforce balance values on the tires, check for out of round or bend, etc

 

Take the brakes off, install tire, rotate tire while using a long screwdriver as a stethoscope. Have the screwdriver tip near the bearing housing and the handle in your ear. If bad, you will hear a very gravelly sound.

 

Was under the truck again and noticed the heat shield on the drivers side catalytic converter has completely fallen off. Could this be at all related to the vibrations/having a negative effect? I had hose clamped it down a couple years ago but I guess it just completely rusted through even the clamp at this point.

 

I believe the front needle bearing is most felt around 35mph, easy way to rule that out is put your truck in 4hi when you feel the vibration most and see if it goes away. If the vibe goes away in 4hi the it’s the needle bearing making the vibration.

 

There was no noticeable difference when driving in 4hi, vibration seemed exactly the same

 

OP - I hope you dont mind me piggybacking off your thread. I was having a very similar issue to yours. Ive read countless threads on different vibrations and the many causes.. and I was not seeing anything that it could be until I got to this post here:

Got under the truck and wiggled the axle and wouldn't you know it.. pretty sure that's my problem. So I hopped in the truck brought it up to 35 mph vibration started so I flicked it into 4Hi and smooth as stock. FCUK.

All the reading I did before I bought this truck, never heard of the needle bearing or ECGS. Not a single vibration on my test drive, or any time I was in the truck before. I mean I bought it from my Brother in-law. My niece and nephew and my own son have been in the truck. Nothing. So yea. Thanks @Derk33 pretty sure you solved my issue.

 

Change the left bearing.

 

For me, after getting a front wheel bearing fixed, still had issues, also a bad rear wheel bearing!! Fixed

 

My 05 had all signs of bad wheel bearing on one side, replaced it, no change, moved new bearing to other side fixed it. Other side did go bad not much later too.
Even had 2 shops tell me wheel bearings were fine before I did it myself anyway.

Wheel bearing may not be your issue, but if you only did one side, try doing other side.

 

should have an ECGS bearing.

 

An ECGS bushing isn’t going to do anything for a noise when turning in one direction.