I have 2001 2500 series. I have noticed a howling sound on the high way coming from the front end. It sounds similar to a bad hub on a fwd car, except it stays constant even on corners. I am also noticing some strange wear patterns on the driver side front tire. It is wearing unevenly, but even each of the ***** on the tire are uneven. Any ideas on causes? What should I be looking for?

 

Jack that side of the truck up, taking all the weight off the tire. Then, grab it at 3 and 9 (o'clock), pulling and pushing on it. Listen and look for movement, or have someone watching while it is being moved. Then do the same thing, at 6 and 12. Sounds like wheel bearings.

 

By the way- welcome to DTR, and be sure to tell us what you have. It is hard to help with diagnosis when we don't know what you have, how many miles, modifications, etc.

 

from your tire description it sounds as if the noise is coming from the tire itself. your tire is cupping and causing the noise

 

Thanks for the info.
My truck is a 2001 navy blue extended cab 4x4. Pretty much stock as far as I know. It does sit a little higher than most. Soon to have a 5th wheel hitch added. This is a farm work truck. 469000km on it right now. But runs great. Our only complaint about the truck is it tends to wander a bit. It has always wandered though.

Do the 4x4 trucks have changeable wheel bearings, or do you need to change the whole hub.

 

its a hub. try rotating the tires to see if the noise changes

 

Wonder if all 01's sit a bit high? Mine does & my boss' does.

Wandering... check for worn track bar. While engine is running have someone move the steering wheel back & forth - look for movement where the track bar attaches to the frame. might as well check the tie rod ends too.

With that mileage, the steering box could be shot too.

finally, after fixing all of that (if needed), look at adding a steering stabilizer bar.

roughly what part of the country are you at?