Hey guys. Looking for some help. Lately I've been hearing a humming noise from the front end. Usually happens around 40 mph. It seems to be coming from the right side but I can't be positive. Also it seems to be more often in the cold weather. It will last for as little as 1 sec to a few minutes. I was thinking wheel bearings? I do feel a small vibration in the floor too. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

How many miles have they ever been done? Jack it up and shake the tires listen to see if it is the wheel bearings

 

I would start with the wheel bearing. I just had the same problem. Should be pretty easy to replace.

 

I don't know if they have ever been replaced. I've only had the runner for a few months. I'm going to check some things out this weekend. If it is the wheel bearing do i need any special tools to replace them?

 

On my 92 pickup I used a 55mm 6 point wheel bearing socket. That should be it for special service tools.

 

Also a good variety of sockets wil help for removal and installation

 

Hmm. I have plenty of hand tools but no 55mm socket. How sure are you that a 1990 uses the same size? Maybe the local parts store would have one. When did you get yours?

 

Not sure where I got it from.. It was a loan tool from a friend. But I would assume that a 89-95 should be the same, that's also assuming that you have 4wd

 

Hey I know this goes against all mechanic rules about using the right tool for the right job, but I used a huge adjustable wrench, and/or a big channel lock to replace mine. My bearing is still fine (knock on wood)

 

Ok, latest update. On my way home from work I dropped the runner into 4WD. The humming noise was suddenly gone and stayed gone even after I put it in 2wd. I probably had in 4 HI for about 5 minutes. Now I'm thinking a CV axle. Whatta you think?

 

Do you have manual or auto locking hubs?

 

Auto hubs

 

It's hard to believe that it's a cv axle because it should not spin while in 2wd. So in other words it should've only hummed if it was in 4wd... Maybe I'm wrong

 

IMO I would still check that wheel bearing before anything

 

Yeah, I hear what you're saying. The CVs still turn in 2wd though. Man, I don't know, I'm gonna jack it up tomorrow and see what I can find, hear, feel. I just know that when it's hummin it drive me nuts. I'll update the thread when I know more. Thanks for your two cents.

 

In this link he has a 87 with manual lockouts.. Could be different from the auto locking hubs

http://www.ttora.com/forum/archive/i.../t-110212.html

 

One easy thing to do is check that hub after a good drive and compare it to the other hub, they usually are noticeably hotter if it's bad

 

Cool, thanks for the info

 

Ok, latest update. Today I checked the bearing play with the tire on. The was a little bit of play. Maybe about 1/16". So, I took everything apart and looked at the bearings. They were fine, no rust pits or excessive sloppiness. I did notice that the end of the CV shaft had play up and down. It seemed like a lot. Is this normal? Also, I was looking at some other posts and the bronze bushing inside the spindle might be the cause. Anybody else heard of this? The one thing that got my attention was the repeated reports of this problem when it's cold outside. I first noticed my issue on a really cold morning. Anyway, I cleaned everything really good and put it all back together. No more play, took a drive everything seems good but it's not cold out today.

 

I get a humming noise from cupped tire tread over about 30mph. old/worn shocks i presume