4 x 4 front end noise

spackelman · January 17, 2007

2002 2500HD. 4x4, 8.1 liter / allison trans crew cab, full box.

My truck has developed a "rubbing / grinding" noise which seems to be coming from the front passenger side wheel. The noise is cyclic with tire rotation and dissapears when I make left handed turns. This is in 2 wheel drive mode.

Have never hit anything, all stock equipment and ride heights. I have never had a front end alingment though.

I rarely use the 4 x 4 mode and have 93000 mi on the truck and the 4 x 4 does engage properly.

My question is (I have not pulled the wheel off for inspection yet), is there any inherent problems with this front axle / hub / cv assembly?

I worked on alot of front ends, but have no 4x4 experience.

Hopfully it is only the wheel bearings in the hub.

Thanks for any input...

__________________

2002 Silverado 2500HD Crew Cab, Full Box

8.1

K & N Intake

Pioneer DEH960MP w/ Pheonix Gold Octane 5/4 Amp

Polk momo6500 Front Polk momo 650 Rear

Bulldog Auto Start

95Sierra2500 · January 17, 2007

I wouldn't say that 'hopefully it's just the bearings' because you'll be replacing the whole hub assembly...Which for my truck is $250-300. It's an easy job but they rape you on the parts.

It does, however, sound like a bad wheel bearing.

spackelman · January 17, 2007

I wouldn't say that 'hopefully it's just the bearings' because you'll be replacing the whole hub assembly...Which for my truck is $250-300. It's an easy job but they rape you on the parts.

It does, however, sound like a bad wheel bearing.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Your saying that the whole hub has to be repalced and not just the bearings?

Is this a dealer item or can I get through a local parts store?

GatorFan · January 17, 2007

I wouldn't say that 'hopefully it's just the bearings' because you'll be replacing the whole hub assembly...Which for my truck is $250-300. It's an easy job but they rape you on the parts.

It does, however, sound like a bad wheel bearing.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Your saying that the whole hub has to be repalced and not just the bearings?

Is this a dealer item or can I get through a local parts store?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Although I only have the 1/2 ton, I had to buy my hub assembly through the dealer and paid dearly for it: $265. The hub asembly AND ABS sensor are all one piece AND it's 4X4 which makes the GM dealers smile because they know they are about to rip open your wallet.

To me it also sounds like a hub. You might try a local parts store to see if they carry it first, then it's off to the "Stealer-Ship."

Good luck.

95Sierra2500 · January 17, 2007

I wouldn't say that 'hopefully it's just the bearings' because you'll be replacing the whole hub assembly...Which for my truck is $250-300. It's an easy job but they rape you on the parts.

It does, however, sound like a bad wheel bearing.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Your saying that the whole hub has to be repalced and not just the bearings?

Is this a dealer item or can I get through a local parts store?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes, the whole hub has to be replaced. You could attempt replacing just the bearings, but you would have to be VERY careful or you risk screwing up the ABS sensor.

Because yours is a 2002, chances are it's a dealer-only part. I'm fortunate enough to have a '95, and I can get that from just about any parts store. I do agree with the above though, check around first...but chances are it's a dealer only part.

spackelman · January 17, 2007

I wouldn't say that 'hopefully it's just the bearings' because you'll be replacing the whole hub assembly...Which for my truck is $250-300. It's an easy job but they rape you on the parts.

It does, however, sound like a bad wheel bearing.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Your saying that the whole hub has to be repalced and not just the bearings?

Is this a dealer item or can I get through a local parts store?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Although I only have the 1/2 ton, I had to buy my hub assembly through the dealer and paid dearly for it: $265. The hub asembly AND ABS sensor are all one piece AND it's 4X4 which makes the GM dealers smile because they know they are about to rip open your wallet.

To me it also sounds like a hub. You might try a local parts store to see if they carry it first, then it's off to the "Stealer-Ship."

Good luck.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I just checked advanced auto parts, they list a hub assembly for my truck @ $294.00 (1 day order). Don't know if that includes the sensor.

As a side note, I ordered a positve battery cable from the dealer, $71.00. Did not pick up yet. Advance lists the cable (looks like is the correct cable, has the aux lead) for $10.00 - big difference.

I don't mind paying extra $$ for quality OEM parts, but the $61.00 difference is way too much (assuming advance is listing the correct cable).

I'll be inspecting the front wheel this Sunday. Will post my findings.

Thanks for all the help and advice.

GatorFan · January 17, 2007

I wouldn't say that 'hopefully it's just the bearings' because you'll be replacing the whole hub assembly...Which for my truck is $250-300. It's an easy job but they rape you on the parts.

It does, however, sound like a bad wheel bearing.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Your saying that the whole hub has to be repalced and not just the bearings?

Is this a dealer item or can I get through a local parts store?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Although I only have the 1/2 ton, I had to buy my hub assembly through the dealer and paid dearly for it: $265. The hub asembly AND ABS sensor are all one piece AND it's 4X4 which makes the GM dealers smile because they know they are about to rip open your wallet.

To me it also sounds like a hub. You might try a local parts store to see if they carry it first, then it's off to the "Stealer-Ship."

Good luck.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I just checked advanced auto parts, they list a hub assembly for my truck @ $294.00 (1 day order). Don't know if that includes the sensor.

As a side note, I ordered a positve battery cable from the dealer, $71.00. Did not pick up yet. Advance lists the cable (looks like is the correct cable, has the aux lead) for $10.00 - big difference.

I don't mind paying extra $$ for quality OEM parts, but the $61.00 difference is way too much (assuming advance is listing the correct cable).

I'll be inspecting the front wheel this Sunday. Will post my findings.

Thanks for all the help and advice.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

On the battery cable...

I went the same route (you were thinking about going) but I warn you... MAKE SURE IT'S THE RIGHT ONE.

I was happy to save around $80 until I go it home and tried it... WRONG F&^%ing part. Needless to say, my only ride have to leave so I had to wait until the next day to get the RIGHT part from GM. I paid the full amount BUT it fit perfect. I drove back up to the parts store and had to get my money back. The only thing I will buy from a parts store now is oil or antifreeze!

spackelman · January 17, 2007

I wouldn't say that 'hopefully it's just the bearings' because you'll be replacing the whole hub assembly...Which for my truck is $250-300. It's an easy job but they rape you on the parts.

It does, however, sound like a bad wheel bearing.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Your saying that the whole hub has to be repalced and not just the bearings?

Is this a dealer item or can I get through a local parts store?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Although I only have the 1/2 ton, I had to buy my hub assembly through the dealer and paid dearly for it: $265. The hub asembly AND ABS sensor are all one piece AND it's 4X4 which makes the GM dealers smile because they know they are about to rip open your wallet.

To me it also sounds like a hub. You might try a local parts store to see if they carry it first, then it's off to the "Stealer-Ship."

Good luck.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I just checked advanced auto parts, they list a hub assembly for my truck @ $294.00 (1 day order). Don't know if that includes the sensor.

As a side note, I ordered a positve battery cable from the dealer, $71.00. Did not pick up yet. Advance lists the cable (looks like is the correct cable, has the aux lead) for $10.00 - big difference.

I don't mind paying extra $$ for quality OEM parts, but the $61.00 difference is way too much (assuming advance is listing the correct cable).

I'll be inspecting the front wheel this Sunday. Will post my findings.

Thanks for all the help and advice.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

On the battery cable...

I went the same route (you were thinking about going) but I warn you... MAKE SURE IT'S THE RIGHT ONE.

I was happy to save around $80 until I go it home and tried it... WRONG F&^%ing part. Needless to say, my only ride have to leave so I had to wait until the next day to get the RIGHT part from GM. I paid the full amount BUT it fit perfect. I drove back up to the parts store and had to get my money back. The only thing I will buy from a parts store now is oil or antifreeze!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thats exactly why I'm not ready to trash the dealer yet. Need to be sure.

Checked autozone for the wheel hub - $350.00 including the sensor. Battery cable - also around $10.00.

spackelman · January 23, 2007

Inspected my front wheels, the play in the right wheel is unbelivable - at lest 2" front to back and the same up and down. Ordered 2 new hubs from a local mechanic I know, $212.00 ea. (I hope they are the right ones). Seems like I also have play in the tie rods too. The ball joints seemed ok.

The driver side did have play, but not nearly as much.

I have a few questions - what size socket is needed for the axle retaining nut and what size socket is the wheel lugs and will the old hub slide pretty easily out of the knuckle?

I'm going to pull apart and repair in the next few days (of course a cold front is moving into Jersey in the next few dasy also, lucky me).

Once again, thanks for the help.

spackelman · January 24, 2007

FYI...

Talked to another friend of mine, he's getting me (through a local shop he does alarm systems for) the 2 front hub assemblies for $168.00 ea + 7% NJ sales tax. Hard price to beat, if they are the correct hubs.

Dealer list price is $403.00 ea., but would give them to me for about $350 ea.

Hopefully over the weekend, I will be able to do the repalcement.

spackelman · January 29, 2007

I replaced my passenger side front hub assembly over this past weekend. The hub was totally shot. Driver side is next.

Pretty much a no-brainer except getting the caliper mounting braket bolts off and the hub bolts off. Very little room to work with. After struggling with the caliper bolts with no luck, a neighbor suggested heating them with a torch. A little heat and a little more leverage, finally got them off. Heated the hub bolts and they finally came out also.

How do the pros do it? Do you guys have any other have tips? Working off jack stands in the driveway doesn't make this job easy.

I was never a big believer with heating the bolts, but it does work. Also, prior to starting this job, I did spray everthing with pb blaster and wd 40.

Thanks for any help.