Grinding / popping noise

GasHog369 · December 12, 2011

So the all famous question.... Whats this noise coming from the front of my truck which sounds like the front drivers wheel...

It dosent happen every time i drive.. I could do it if i am going straight , turning , or driving slow / fast... Or it might not do it at all... I do not hear it ever when braking so i think i can safely say its not brakes.

It almost sounds like a crunching / popping / grinding noise.

I'm thinking bearing / hub..? Possibly ball joint?

Today i went into a parking lot wit ice and snow and tested my rear diff and tested 4 wheel drive and all works with no hiccup, and did not hear the noise at all while it was engaged.

I am going to have my mechanic check it out but am looking for a possible gremlin to chase.

Thanx in advance. Next time it does it i will try and get a video of it but it seems as soon as i am listening for it, the noise will stop or slowly disappear

mawint · December 13, 2011

I have been chasing a similar gremlin and have yet to figure it out. I have checked hubs and everything I could think of up front. I am taking my truck in soon to have the bearings in the front differential checked out, although, now it's not making any noise. If you find out let me know because I would like to get mine fixed too.

GasHog369 · December 14, 2011

So today on the way home it got real loud at one point, and sounded like metal on metal grinding / chewing...

When i got home i jacked up the drivers front and gave the wheel a wiggle in and out and this is what i found..

I dont know why the upload volume is so low, so you have to turn it up to hear it . But there is maybe a 1/4" play in there back and fourth..

So im guessing its gotta be the hub.

I jacked up the passenger side and tried it and it was solid and no noise.. I just replaced that one earlier this year around january / feb..

At that time my old mechanic did it and when i saw how much he charged me for the part alone i went hunting and found a brand new timken hub for $127 shipped on amazon.

I ended up ordering it for when the driver side went but am unsure if my new mechanic will put it on for me using my part.. If not it will be up for sale..

Hopefully he can fix it this saturday or monday at latest.. I'm going to try and not drive it till then since i dont want it letting go!

edit- http://www.amazon.com/Timken-SP500300-Axle-Bearing-Assembly/dp/B001EGT3I4/ref=au_pf_pfg_s?ie=UTF8&Model=Silverado%201500%7C491&n=15684181&s=automotive&Make=Chevrolet%7C47&Year=2006%7C2006&vehicleType=automotive&newCar=1&carId=001

That is the part.. it dosent say left or right so im hoping its the same?? anyone know for sure?

GasHog369 · December 14, 2011

If you click the picture above its the video link...

Stevens03 · December 14, 2011

Needs a new hub Your lucky you didn't loose your wheel while driving

mawint · December 14, 2011

Ya mine didn't do that when I checked them, mine had a little bit of play in the steering but nothing like that.

Hubs are the same for the left and right.

GasHog369 · December 17, 2011

Going to the shop in morning for them to put new hub in... Timken thru amazon FTW! Shop was nice enough to allow me to buy own part and they are putting it on.

GasHog369 · December 17, 2011

Got the truck back and took it for a drive. Seems like i am not hearing any noise anymore and it feels smoother while driving now so i believe the diagnosis was correct for that bearing. The combination of having the bearings done and replacing the intermediate shaft for steering done makes the truck feels much better!

edwardm419 · March 20, 2012

Is the timken brand good? Im thinking about replacing my front wheel hubs on my 03. Would u recommend timken over autozone or oreylli brands? Also, I saw your cardomain page and I saw the SS style cluster you have on your truck. Did you get that through the dealer? Or where? I've been looking for one of those but haven't found it yet.

txab · March 20, 2012

Timken is a great brand

lovelessjl · March 20, 2012

When it comes to bearings, timken is simply one of if not the best out there. I always choose timken if I have the option.

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GasHog369 · March 21, 2012

Is the timken brand good? Im thinking about replacing my front wheel hubs on my 03. Would u recommend timken over autozone or oreylli brands? Also, I saw your cardomain page and I saw the SS style cluster you have on your truck. Did you get that through the dealer? Or where? I've been looking for one of those but haven't found it yet.

Timken no doubt the best available. And amazon has the best price.. I think i paid around $110 or so shipped!

The gauge cluster i got was just the background and i found it on ebay fairly cheap. Around $60 if i remember. Was fairly easy to change out . toughest part was trying to get the old needles off and put back on in exact spot.