Last week I pitched a rear u-joint ant the rear diff. I removed rear driveshaft and drove about 90 miles home in 4 hi. I noticed just before I got all the way home that when taking off from a complete stop, the left front wheel started making a grinding type noise. If I let up on the skinny pedal the noise would cease and the truck would accelerate without any more noise. Now I have the rear u-joint replaced but when I put truck in 4wd the noise is back under acceleration. My question is, do I need to replace front bearing assembly or is there a repair kit for just the auto locking hub? I have never taken apart an auto locking hub before so I do not have a clue what I am up against. Being Christmas time, my finances are not such that I can go manual lockout changeover.

Merry Christmas and thanks for replies in advance.

Gary

 

There is no auto locking hub. You probably have an axle joint or wheel bearing on its way out.

 

Just watched a U-tube video and looks like time for bearing replacement. I am guessing the sound that I am hearing is the splined stub shaft spinning in the hub. My luck the stub shaft is toast and has chewed up the splined receiver in the bearing hub. Guess I am not going to deer lease after Christmas like I planned. Anyone have recommendation on bearing assembly manufacturer?

Thanks

Gary

 

My guess would be the u-joint. Because there was no issue prior to running in front wheel drive and subsequently there is. Wheel bearing issue should not show up due to the front wheel drive...

 

Jack the wheel up and check for play, if its got play in all directions the bearing is shot. Spin the wheel by hand to listen for rough noises. As stated above could be u-joint, check for play in any direction. Rotate wheel by hand with wheels straight, then turned either direction. Check your driveshaft at the same time for same problems.

I can almost guarantee your stub shaft is fine, if not it wasn't installed right somewhere. Pop your center cap to make sure there isn't any carnage or a missing cotter pin etc.