Front end noise...going crazy

[TomHuskey]

I've got a new noise coming from my front end. It's not a random popping/creaking suspension type noise, but instead its a rotational bearing/shaft type noise and I can feel it very pronounced in the steering wheel (and my seat/floor). I thought it may be a wheel bearing, but it's not constant. It comes and goes, doesn't get better or worse with turning left or right, and if I keep my foot on the gas (diesel) pedal, and press the brakes a little it stops while I'm still going 50 or 60 or whatever.

I'm about to pull my hair out, but tomorrow I'm going to drain the transfer case fluid and check it out (hopefully not pump rub ), and jack the wheels off the ground and check for play and signs of bad bearings. I'm also going to rotate the tires to see if it's a cupped tire or something.

Any suggestions on what may be causing the noise :dontknow: HELP!

 

[02greysixer]

Could it be the diff bearings? Where the CV axles bolt to. I've seen/heard those make some noise before.


Sint frum tha orijinul smert fone

 

[jlawles2]

Could be a brake issue. seems to get better with activation of the brakes.

 

[D-MAX Mafia]

I'm thinking the hub is out.

On the Droid X

 

[MWDHAND]

Mine did the same thing (intermittent sounds and vibrations) and replaced the hub and all better!!

 

[TomHuskey]

Hub

Mine did the same thing (intermittent sounds and vibrations) and replaced the hub and all better!!

I thought wheel bearings were pretty constant noises that changed when turning left and right. Did your's do that? Mine doesn't change with wheel direction?

 

[Colt]

Looks like you tow heavy so it works if you drag that trailer alot. Don't forget how much it takes to go up and around with all that weight behind and on back of it. Just sayin, it's made to pull but wears faster like how hard is it used and then maintained too.

 

[TomHuskey]

Looks like you tow heavy so it works if you drag that trailer alot. Don't forget how much it takes to go up and around with all that weight behind and on back of it. Just sayin, it's made to pull but wears faster like how hard is it used and then maintained too.

..but that's why I sold my 1500 bought a heavy duty truck, so the bearings/driveline/breaks could handle the torture. :banghead: Oh well, guess I would have replaced a lot more parts if hadn't got it, plus it's a blast to drive :driving:

 

[TomHuskey]

Good news so far

Step one in mystery noise elimination complete. Changed the old T/C fluid out for some fresh new Transynd (not trying to start Trannsynd vs 5W30 debate). It was full to the top, a little burnt, but still full :woott: Inspected everywhere for pump rub signs, none so far.

Next I'm going to tackle the front hubs to see if that eliminates it.

Will update with progress.

 

[TDFDiesel]

Sounds like the common problem with either intermediate shaft or body mount. Search Duramax Forum for underbody "clunk".

 

[TomHuskey]

Sounds like the common problem with either intermediate shaft or body mount. Search Duramax Forum for underbody "clunk".

Already fixed that :thumb:

 

[adrenaholc1]

I call wheel bearing. Mine was intermittent and felt like a flat spot in the tire. I couldn't believe the wheel didn't fall off once I saw the hub after i removed it.

 

[TomHuskey]

Do the 3500 HD SRWs have bigger bearings?

 

[Kat]

Do the 3500 HD SRWs have bigger bearings?

No, they are all the same.

 

[TDFDiesel]

Already fixed that :thumb:

You replaced the front two body mounts too?

My brother has had his intermediate shaft replaced 3 times due to the clunking over the last 8 years.

 

[Philtopgun]

you intermittants sounds just like mine were. It was my front left wheel bearing out. McRat has a great wheel bearing DIY here that I used. Dmax store still has a great current life time warranty deal on Timken if you can wait for online shopping...

http://www.duramaxdiesels.com/forum/showthread.php?t=265&page=6&highlight=wheel+bearing

 

[kenny]

I would say unibearing hubs are going.

 

[Kat]

Did you ever jack up the front end to see the tires have play?

 

[[email protected]]

if the noise sounds more inside than outside try the lower bearing in the steering column

 

[TNeill]

Check drivre line for slack in ujoints also . If there is excessive slack in joints the vibration may be eliminated by some braking force. Check with pry bar and look close. Doesnt take much for vibration.