thmp...thmp....thmp...thmp....thmp

[Mattt]

Im 1/2 way thru a long road trip(SoCal to UT and back), and Im getting this occasional thumping while on the highway. Truck is an 01 HD 4WD with 90k on the ticker. I've read here about the front bearing hubs going away, and Im worried that is what Im hearing. Im hoping to jack the front up tomorrow, and see if either front wheel is loose. Only other thing I was thinking it might be is I had a lot of ice and such hanging on the front, possibly even on the axles or CV boot and maybe that was causing an out of balance situation.

 

The thumping is not constant. It comes and goes. It did it really pronounced a few times today when I got off the gas and coasted for a bit.

 

Anyone else who has been down this road, is this what yours started like? How long can I push this, or do I need to get this handled before leaving UT? I would rather take care of this once back home as I plan on doing the repair myself. I think this is a sealing bearing hub with stub axle/CV design, just like the rear end of my buggy. If it is similar I should be able to take care of it.

 

Any other things to check for a constant speed dependent thumping that seems like it is coming from the front end? Im almost certain it's coming from the front since I can feel it in the steering wheel.

 

Once they start to loosen, is it something that requires immediate R & R, or can it be pushed for a bit? Thank you in advance.

[Shaners]

It could be something as simple as a belt starting to seperate in a tire.

[Trouttrooper]

check u-joints

[Jimmy J]

It could be something as simple as a belt starting to seperate in a tire.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

My thoughts exactly. I actually had the same strange thumping on an old Dodge. As it turned out, it was one of the belts in the radials out front.

[Mattt]

Just thought I'd post an update. This morning I jacked the front of the truck up and it was in fact, loose wheel bearings up front. I was getting roughly 1/4" of play when rocking the tire up and down. So, earlier today I went to the local Chevy dealer here in South Jordan/Sandy UT. They took the truck in to check it out. A short while later the mechanic comes up front & takes me back to his stall. Both sides 36mm nut that holds the stub axle tight in the front bearing hub were loose. He tightened them up, and no more wheel wobble. Hopefully it stays tight and the rest of the trip is uneventful.

 

Anyone else ever seen these front axle nuts loosen up? That is a new one to me and to the mechanic. Im wondering if they are going to continue loosening as the bearings wear more. Wish me luck on my return trip.

 

BTW....front bearing hubs per side $404.