How to test for a bad front wheel bearing?

[Dahlar]

I have loud road noise comming from the left front wheel, had the vehicle aligned but all checked out...it still seems I have a little bit of slop in the wheel and road noise is still there. What is the best way to check a bearing or does anyone have an idea of what else could be wrong?

[BOSS]

I have loud road noise comming from the left front wheel, had the vehicle aligned but all checked out...it still seems I have a little bit of slop in the wheel and road noise is still there. What is the best way to check a bearing or does anyone have an idea of what else could be wrong?

Sepiroth will know, let's hope he chimes in


B O S S

[Sasquatch]

to check a wheel bearing jack up the truck and grab the tire at 12 o`clock and 6 o`clock and try to rock it up and down. if there is excessive play then you`ll need a new bearing. you can also spin the tire around and if it`s bad enough you may be able to hear/feel grinding.

if you have slop in the wheel this could be your problem. i`m just wondering why the alignment shop didn`t find a bad bearing when doing the job.

if thats what it is.

[Sepiroth]

Dahlar, from my experience with these trucks, I have found out that if you hear a particular side making a roaring type sound, it is that side.

You can do the wiggle jiggle test, but that might get you so far.

Another test you can try to do, though not always the case, is;

Take your truck out of 4x4 in applicable. Turn your steering wheel full lock and make a 360* right hand circle. If the noise is present, your problem is on the left front hub bearing.

Now turn your wheel to full lock and make a 360* left turn signal. If the noise is present there, then that would mean the right front hub bearing is bad.

[Max]

Jack the front of the truck up and with the wheels still bolted to the hub stick a prybar directly under the wheel. Gently lift up on the prybar and you should feel any play through the balljoints or unit bearing itself. Having a buddy on the prybar while you inspect the suspension makes it easier.

[J-Will]

to check a wheel bearing jack up the truck and grab the tire at 12 o`clock and 6 o`clock and try to rock it up and down. if there is excessive play then you`ll need a new bearing. you can also spin the tire around and if it`s bad enough you may be able to hear/feel grinding.

if you have slop in the wheel this could be your problem. i`m just wondering why the alignment shop didn`t find a bad bearing when doing the job.

if thats what it is.

x2
had to replace mine when i bought the truck. grab it like he said and youll be able to tell something isnt right. easiest way to do it. not hard to swap out either. air tools are nice

[Sepiroth]

So where is the OP at as far as diagnosis??

[Dahlar]

Just got some free time to finally put the truck on jackstands. I could not get the bearings to make noise, but I did find that both upper ball joints are flatened and won't hold grease, so I think that is my problem. Same for the pitman arm and idler. Don't forget to grease those fittings from time to time!