Groaning - Front Bearings?

[SocalSam]

Wanted to check my thinking with the community. Getting groaning sound from front that is speed dependent. Groaning goes away when turning left on downhill curve but returns at straight ahead. I'm thinking left front bearing is bad. Thoughts before I lift the car and spin the wheels? (If it is front bearing, I will change both sides.)

2003 Limited V6 2wd, 200k miles.

 

[2008sr5]

Wanted to check my thinking with the community. Getting groaning sound from front that is speed dependent. Groaning goes away when turning left on downhill curve but returns at straight ahead. I'm thinking left front bearing is bad. Thoughts before I lift the car and spin the wheels? (If it is front bearing, I will change both sides.)

Hey Sam,

I actually had the same problem on my 08 4wd sr5. For me, the sound was rather quiet, but still noticeable. It started around maybe 30mph?

Mine was the front driver wheel bearing. I changed both at 205k with a set of Detroit Axle bearings off eBay. They were pretty cheap compared to OEM and haven't had a problem in the last 6k. No idea how long they'll last.

After a good drive, put your hand directly on the wheel hub and see if its any warmer/hotter than the other side. If you have bearings that are older/OEM, you can try adding 10lb(go by feel) more on the axle nut. It'll take up some of the backlash and at least change the noise so that you know. Keep in mind you'll probably shorten what little life is left in the bearing if you do this so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. If you are RWD, then obv this isn't applicable.

Also, it helps if you post the yr/millage/ and 4wd or rwd. Kinda hard to tell you much w/o any information.

 

[Buckaroo]

Yes, could be the left front wheel bearing. Recently had to replace the left front on my '05 Limited 4WD with similar symptom although did not have a clear indication of which side as you appear to. When lifted, could not detect any excessive movement in the wheel or noise/chatter when spinning the wheel manually. Also used my stethoscope without success. Finally, verified that it was the left front using Chassis Ear ($140 from Amazon) when driving - very clear difference between left and right.
Steelman Chassisear 2 Automotive Diagnostic Noise Finder
– Steelman Tools

Replaced with this SKF assembly from Rock Auto with good results.....
More Information for SKF BR930978

Also installed these seals...
More Information for TIMKEN 710596
More Information for SKF 28739

After removal, the bearing definitely felt notchy but it was not pronounced enough to detect it when installed and the wheel spun manually.

 

[Drcoffee]

And you are sure its not a bent brake rotor dust cover rubbing the rotor? Lift rhe wheel and check for slop

 

[SocalSam]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I priced Duralast at Vatozone, $173 per side. OEM at dealer is $331. For giggles, I asked the dealer for labor and they quoted $875 per side. That's 3.5 hours at $250 per.

 

[SocalSam]

I went with Duralast and changed left front bearing/hub assembly. Noise is reduced but did not go away. Still some growl in left turns. Damn. Thinking it was left rear bearing, did wheel wiggle test and there is no play. Tire wear looks good. Did some internet sleuthing (where else, lol) and found that right side bearings could be culprit.

BTW, changing front hub assembly was relatively easy DIY especially with a rust free truck like mine. I took my time with many breaks and finished in 3 hours. Dealer book time of 3.5 hours is as usual a complete joke.

 

[SocalSam]

Right side bearings diagnosis confirmed and fixed.