I was at the alignment shop this morning and they said I need to replace the bearings and tie rods before they could do the alignment. The truck has 114k miles.

I have the stock Michelin LTX A/S street tires. As I am driving straight or turning left, it sounds like “tire noise” (like mud/knobby tire on a paved road) and the noise gets louder as I driver faster. The noise is louder than the diesel engine itself (at > 25mph). When I turn slightly right (or more), the noise goes away. The tires are wearing evenly – no noticeable uneven wear (I also used a tire tread depth gauge to check).

Is this noise coming from worn bearings? Or what else could it be?

‘Jeff in TD’ sent me this forum link from ‘Mr. Gadget’ that explains how to replace the components in the wheel hub area (specifically, the ball joints). A great 2 yr old thread that still going strong – thanks Mr. Gadget.

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...ht=ball+joints

 

No experience with this truck, but lots with other vehicles. Rule of thumb is if it the noise gets louder when you are making a turn then it is a wheel bearing. The noise for a right wheel bearing will be louder when making a left turn, and vice versa. Tie rod diagnosis really needs you to lift front end and a pair of channel lock pliers. With wheels off ground, grab at 9 and 3 and rock wheel back and forth. Not a lot, just enough to feel the play in the "linkage". Have a helper watch the tie rods and look for play. You can also grip the ball end of the tie rod in the channel locks and squeeze the ball into the socket. If it is worn, the ball will move in and out. I've seen tie rods that have the in and out play not move when rocked back and forth but still feel squirrily or drift.

 

(sorry for the late reply)
Yes, checking the 'play' did help and it was the left wheel hub assembly / bearings. Replaced the stock hub assembly with a Timken assembly and quiet as can be, while rolling smooth as silk. Well, yes I am exaggerating about the 'smooth as silk'

Just in case someone asks, for my truck, the OEM part #52010206ab is the Timken #SP550103.

 

Glad I could help. If you don't mind me asking, what did the Timken #SP550103 cost?

 

You did replace both sides, right? I got my Timken hubs from Auto Zone for $245 each.

 

Sur5er,
Of all places, I ordered from Amazon $200 (+$25 delivered).

FiremanRam,
No, just the driver side. The right side is still good - not hearing the grind of the bearing for now. Maybe in another 20k miles, I may have to. And I am not noticing any difference with one new, one old. Turning left, turning right, straight, back - all the same.

If you only had one that was bad and you still have the good one, keep it if you like. You never know when you'll need it.