I have a 2005 3500 with around 40000 miles and 6 inch lift 37 inch tires, and there is a strange sort of for lack of a better description; a growling,grinding sound coming from the front of the truck at highway speed. Oddly, going around a gradual bend in the road to the left makes the sound worse and going to the right it goes away. Question: how do I determine if the wheel bearings are heading out and how does the dynatrac manual hub conversion compare in price to just replacing the factory units? Thanks for the help, Thunder Beast.

 

Good question. I myself wouldn't be able to advise on the diagnosis, but as far a the cost between a new hub bearing and the dynatrac kit, the hub bearing is around 300, dynatrac around 2,000.

 

I had same issue, replaced front drive shaft all is good now. If you have a raytech (infrared tempature gun) shoot the hubs if one is hotter then the other, you've found it...one can also use one's hand and "feel" for excessive heat.

 

I'd say hub assembly or axle ujoint.

 

Usually, you can simply jack up the front end and spin the wheels and hear the bearing. Grab ahold of the wheel and check for up and down play as well ( push in at the top and pull out at the bottom , then reverse). You may need someone to do this for you as you look for the source of the movement. Generally speaking, if there is that much noise.....it won't be too hard to find.

 

Don't know if u would be interested in a set of unit hub bearings that were on my stock 06 mega cab for less than 5000 miles. I went with a free spin kit. But if u want to save some coin I would like to get rid of them. Pm me if your interested. Like I said they are just like new. Thinking maybe like 300 plus shipping 4 both.

 

My left front axle U-joint went bad but didnt make any real noise but caused a slight "lope" when turning hard left. I would say not the U-joint (but Im not good at front end stuff).

 

My truck is doing just this, anyone ever figure out what the problem is? Thanks

 

Check Rockauto.com, excellent prices and quality parts.

 

Yeah mine is groaning on slow left hand turns so I'm keeping the money set aside.

It would be really nice to get a free wheel kit but don't know if the effective extra $1700 is worth it because I understand they are $2000 but come with the needed bearings.

 

If you start getting an ABS light then get'r home immediately with a new hub in hand. Mine left me stuck at the lake and a $130 tow home. I'd say you're headed for a hub. 40K is about half the mileage I got on that first one, however.

Jack it up and check the hub and u-joint for play. Also check the steering knuckle and rotor backing plate for rust dust. Compare one side to the other to identify if you've got reddish rust dust on one side. Failing u-joints spread fine metal dust all over. I can't prove it, but I suspect that contributes to early hub failure with the dust getting into the hub.

 

Do you mean Hub or Hub Bearings?

I'm planning on mine failing soon so I might start gathering parts, like I said it's groaning a little going around slow left handed corners.

I've also never lubbed the front driveshaft so that might have something to do with it?

 

Hub bearings are not serviceable, so hub and hub bearings are the same. About $250 at Napa.

 

So this is... left front bearing- right?, u-joint, or front drive shaft? all have been said, but not one alone? I just dont want to throw parts at it at $250ea

Do you have to do whel bearings in pairs? (if thats it)

Thanks all