Humming noise coming from front end?

[004runnerLtd]

So just this last week, my front left tire (from what I can tell) is making a humming noise (it's like a tire noise, but louder, and I can feel it in the cab when it's 'vibrating').
The faster I go, the higher pitch it gets. BUT, it's not always there. Usually just when I'm coasting.
And if I'm coasting, and the trucks RPMs go below 1000, the noise disappears.
Putting in neutral doesn't change the noise.

I keep going back and forth between a wheel bearing, or a transmission issue (due to the weird RPM reasons).

Any thoughts?

2-Wheel Drive.
Automatic.

 

[gamefreakgc]

I have this exact same issue. I'm due for new tires so I'm hoping that fixes it. If not, it has to be the bearings, I'm not sure what else it could be. Only the front makes the noise but I've replaced both rear bearings due to axle seal failures.

 

[aontkos]

I've been hunting down a humming noise from my front end for about a year now. I really only notice it when I get the classic WUM-WUM-WUM noise between 35-50 MPH. I don't notice any play in the bearings. Initially it sounded like the driver side front wheel bearing (I confirmed that this was making a slight grinding noise by spinning the hub by hand). I took it to the dealership to have the bearing replaced and the noise remained.

I took it back to them to have it diagnosed and the technicians assured me it was just tire noise. I'm inclined to take their word for it (and so far it hasn't been a problem) and I'm sure they would live to replace parts on my dime. I have noticed some uneven wear, so this is probably the case, but it's hard to tell without swapping out tires.

 

[thegipper]

It's probably just the tires. You can always jack the front end up and push/pull on each wheel and see if there is any play in it. Also, spin it and listen for any noises.

My Cooper AT3's with about 30% tread left make a humming noise between 30 and 50mph. I know its the tires because I had completely destroyed/bald tires on it before when I got the truck and it was whisper quiet. The second I installed these used tires i got (money was tight) the humming noise showed up.

Good luck

 

[SpidermanGeek]

I've been hunting down a humming noise from my front end for about a year now. I really only notice it when I get the classic WUM-WUM-WUM noise between 35-50 MPH. I don't notice any play in the bearings. Initially it sounded like the driver side front wheel bearing (I confirmed that this was making a slight grinding noise by spinning the hub by hand). I took it to the dealership to have the bearing replaced and the noise remained.

I took it back to them to have it diagnosed and the technicians assured me it was just tire noise. I'm inclined to take their word for it (and so far it hasn't been a problem) and I'm sure they would live to replace parts on my dime. I have noticed some uneven wear, so this is probably the case, but it's hard to tell without swapping out tires.

I got the same from my mechanic. I just replaced a ton of parts in the front end and still have the noise. It's driving me insane. It just sounds like such a separate noise from the usual tire humming of the M/Ts. Apparently, my front bearings are fine. And now that I've replaced calipers/rotors & CV axles.. I thought that might get rid of it...but no dice.

Although I was told that my rear u-joint is showing wear. Maybe it's a U-joint on its way out? It is louder when I coast or driving slowly (around 30mph).

It's a mystery to me.

 

[004runnerLtd]

The tires crossed my mind (even thought maybe a nail was in it, causing the noise), but they're all new tires (less than 5k miles on them), had an alignment done immediately after, and all are wearing evenly.

I've lifted my truck, and spun each wheel, also checked for play (there's very slight play, on the passenger side, but know my steering rack is slightly loose).

I'm somewhat glad I'm not the only one who's experiencing this noise, but the fact that some of you have changed out so much, with no change, makes me wonder what's going on.
Have had the truck for 6 years, and first time hearing this noise.

Hoping someone can chime in, that's figured out a fix!!

 

[kolelt]

The tires crossed my mind (even thought maybe a nail was in it, causing the noise), but they're all new tires (less than 5k miles on them), had an alignment done immediately after, and all are wearing evenly.

I've lifted my truck, and spun each wheel, also checked for play (there's very slight play, on the passenger side, but know my steering rack is slightly loose).

I'm somewhat glad I'm not the only one who's experiencing this noise, but the fact that some of you have changed out so much, with no change, makes me wonder what's going on.
Have had the truck for 6 years, and first time hearing this noise.

Hoping someone can chime in, that's figured out a fix!!

What kinda play in the steering rack?

For a while I was hunting a front end noise. Well I though it was, a noise/clunk at low speed. I changed the front wheel bearings on both sides. Turns out it was my rear wheel bearing that was SHOT. After messing around with rear brakes, I noticed my rear wheel had insane amount of play. And the noise just simply traveled up to the front. So you'll be surprised how far the noise travels. Always check the rear to. Just because it's solid axle it doesn't mean that bearings and other things don't go bad.