wheel bearing or needle bearing?

First post, long time reader.
02 base tacoma/ 180k on the clock/ ifs 7.5 clam/ 4.10 / 3inch lift/ 285's/ new cv's

-I believe I am experiencing the clamshell bushing/ (needle bearing?) failure but am questioning the wheel bearing as the culprit.

-Constant cyclical whirling front end driveline noise and vibration that increases with speed.
+Occurs at speed with engine off.
+Does not go away when 4wheel drive is engaged
+Does not seem to change sound/vibration when turning left to right
+Significant (in comparison to passeng) up and down play at cv diff union
+(With wheel lifted) binds at one position during hand rotation 10 degree out of 360.
+ requires significant hand force to pass binding area (Concerned about cv angle during test)
+ no audible grinding or typical wheel bearing noise
+ no noticeable 12 to 6 play when shaking wheel

I have reviewed lots of the second gen posts on the needle bearing issue and replacement and believe this to be my issue. I found one post regarding the 1st gen bearing/sleeve issue. I know i can pull the drivers side cv to check and see if the hub spins freely with no cv/ diff connection; eliminating the wheel bearing as a suspect. I am looking for advice before doing so in the hopes to reduce daily driver down time and wrench hours. I am ready to purchase the ecgs sleeve and removal tool or wheel bearing but given that they come out to about the same price (tight budget), wanted some feedback if possible. My biggest question is: can a wheel bearing failure create an almost seized point of rotation with no other symptoms, then return to free motion for the remaining 350 degrees?

I appreciate your time and truly value the information and communal support within this forum, one of the many reasons why I chose this truck.

Thank you, Chris

 

Sounds like a wheel bearing, hard to diag at home with spinning tires up to speed.

Often on tacomas I can tell a worn bearing simply by hitting it and checking the wheel for free play with the tire on and off the ground.

A good solid hand hit on the tire will create a clunking noise on a worn wheel bearing. Also some bearings when worn and noisy will have movement with the hub compared to the brake.

Next, CV axle play in the drivers output is normal, it moves like crazy, this is why it makes so much noise on lifted models.

Lastly, when bearings are worn, it puts more stress on the brake caliper, make sure its not seized, push the pistons back, this could be causing the drag.

 

Thank you Bishop84

-Hit, shook kicked tire both on and off ground- no noticeable sound or motion, most likely due to a lack of ear.

-Pulled caliper and pads- no difference in binding. Rotor, pads, caliper all look good.

When I get the chance, i'll pull the cv axle out of the knuckle and rotate hub to search for free movement or resistance, hopefully isolating the problem to bearing or diff/cv. Ill check rear of wheel bearing/ hub for shavings, wobble and irregularities if thats visible or possible.

The cv to diff connection is still concerning to me since it appears to move in an oval (not smooth) motion when rotating.

Will let y'all know what I come up with.

Thank you again, Chris

 

SOLVED: Passenger rear wheel bearing.

Replaced front drivers wheel bearing after removing cv axle when I still felt resistance in the hub. The old wheel bearing showed signs of water mixing in the grease. The whirling problem vibration/noise persisted. Changed front passenger side wheel bearing. Problem persisted. Out of frustration, put all four corners on jack stands and, as safely as I possibly could, engaged drivetrain to speed in the air. Walked around vehicle noticing faint rear passenger noise close to hub. Replaced passenger rear wheel bearing, which was extremely worn. I didn't notice any symptoms there when originally checking all four. Not sure why the sound seemed to come so much more from the front of the vehicle. Thank you Bishop84 for your help.

original noise from cab:

rear wheel bearing:

 

Subd

 

That was a classic bearing sound for sure.