Front Bearing Hub on 2WD "clicking" when turning by hand

Ramblin Man · May 21, 2020

2001 GMC Yukon XL 2WD - I have the front end up on the stands right now to replace the brakes. I removed the entire break assembly, and when I turn the hub by hand there is a "clicking" noise, identical on both sides. Just like an old style alarm clock, but the frequency of the clicks increases the faster I turn it. There is no play when I try to move the hub, it seems solid otherwise.

Is this sound normal on these trucks? I expected to hear nothing at all. Thank you.

Edited May 21, 2020 by Ramblin Man

davester · May 21, 2020

That sounds unusual. Is it just 1 click per rotation, or multiple clicks?

Ramblin Man · May 22, 2020

Roughly 6 clicks per rotation. I'm wondering if the grease almost completely dried out and this is the sound of loose bearings bumping against each other as I turn the wheel.

davester · May 22, 2020

You might get an idea looking in the wheel speed sensor hole, but given the age of the vehicle, it's likely time for new hubs.

Ramblin Man · May 30, 2020

I could not see anything conclusive through the sensor hole, but decided to take the plunge and replace with new MOOG bearing hubs.

With the new ones in hand I was glad I made the decision; they “felt right” - well lubricated, consistent resistance. A far cry from the bicycle-sounding originals, which might have lasted another 10K or 20K, but were also probably 20 years old with 190K miles on them. Interesting that they had no play, maybe a testament to OEM quality.

Thanks for confirming this was not the expected behavior.