Grinding in front end

Drock28 · August 19, 2015

2010 GMC Sierra 4dr, I am hearing a slight grinding from what sounds to be Front Passenger side, I have only had truck 3 months, bought as a certified pre owned from a Chevy dealer, truck was in on Monday and dealership says its in need of front brakes and rotors, even tho it's considered west and tear they agreed to cover the cost as it's not warranteed. My issue is it does not sound like brakes to me, noise is louder when going straight or on right hand turns, noise is not present when hitting brakes. Do feel shimmy in front end when braking down steep inclines, I do not doubt that brakes and rotors are needed but could it be a wheel bearing as well? I asked tech this and he claimed it was just brakes. Would appreciate any help.

BlackZ71Silverado · August 20, 2015

Did this "tech" actually inspect the front end of the truck or just assume replacing rotors and pads will fix the issue?

It very well may be just rotors & brakes giving you trouble but it also may be a wheel bearing. When a wheel bearing fails, it may sometimes sound like a brake grinding issue. I actually just replaced the right front on my brothers Silverado. It sure sounded like front brake/rotor issue, until I actually had it in the air and was able to wobble the tire.

If you have access to a floor jack, you can check the wheel bearings on your own.

Jack the front of the truck off the ground and grab the tire at 3&9 or 12&6 o'clock, wiggle the tire up,down,side to side. If the bearing is bad, you should have some play and you will hear it popping while it wiggles.

It will also not spin as freely, you may hear some clicking while spinning the tire by hand.

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servantsalesmen · August 20, 2015

Don't mean to be THAT GUY, but play at 9 and 3 on the wheel is more likely going to be a bad tie rod end. The issue you're having sounds like wheel bearing to me. Another trick I use is to grab onto the control arm and or shock and the spin the wheel. If the bearing is bad, you can often feel it grinding.