Hi all,

I have an 89 Pickup, ext. cab 4x4 with the 3.0L V6. The truck just recently developed a terrible sounding grinding noise that sounds like its coming from towards the passenger side.

The noise happens when you hit a certain spot turning right only. It's not the steering stops because its only about a half turn of the wheel to the right when it happens. You can turn farther and the noise goes away. Its only in the one spot turning to the right.

My first thoughts were tie rod or possibly CV? Checked out the tie rod and it seems fine. After doing some searching some people mentioned wheel bearing as well but just wondering if anyone else has experienced this before?

Thanks!

 

You might also look into the spindle bushings. It's a pair of brass bushings where the front axle passes through the wheel and hub. They're located at the inner and outer openings of the spindle. I have a grinding/howling sound from my passenger side as well. I hope to grease it real well and see if that helps. I'm ordering a special fitting for this: http://www.sleeoffroad.com/ . Replacing these is a pretty major job.

 

Problem solved. Checked out the CV to see if maybe it was the spindle bearings. Turned out to be the front bumper valance that is below the chrome bumper was rubbing on the tire! Glad I didn't start tearing things apart.