Brendan

i've been getting a noise from the driver's side front tire that has been progressively getting worse over the last few weeks and seems to only be speed related. it has been getting more noticeable and occuring at speeds lower than they had been originally.

i have manually locking hubs which i thought meant that the CVs aren't turning when the hubs are unlocked, but i have noticed that the inner boot is torn, but other than that i don't see anything that is obvious. also i don't think it is a wheel bearing because there isn't much play in the wheel and it is definitely a clunking noise rather than a constant whine.

half cocked irishman

If you have a torn dust boot, you probably want to inspect the joint and make sure it is all intact. Cause now that its torn dirt mud and other debris can get in there and cause your joint to fail. To test your wheel bearing jack the front end up and wiggle it left to right then top to bottom. I believe if it has play lady to right that your wheel bearing is fried and if it has up and down play then your ball joint is getting worn.

half cocked irishman

U also might want to check your brushing and control arms.

rattlewagon

If the wheel bearing loose, it will move no matter which way you wiggle it. And you really shouldant have any play there.

If the hubs are unlocked the CVs are not turning, unless the collar is stuck. You sure the noise is coming from the front?

James Woods

iTrader: (1)

^agreed, when does it make the noise?.

Brendan

there is very minimal play in the tire - barely detectable. the noise sounds like it's coming from in front of my feet on the other side of the firewall and originally would only happen at speeds above 45-50 mph and now is happening above 40mph. it doesn't happen all the time when i'm at the minimum speed but is very common.