Low humming noise from front of vehicle.

[hawkcharmer]

So ever since I purchased the truck I heard a faint whining noise coming from the front.. It seems like it is getting louder, but maybe its just me..

I notice it at speeds from 10mph and up. It doesn't go away or get louder when turning left or right. It gets louder when I accelerate and decreases as I slow down, almost sounds like a broken belt in a tire, but tires are fine. Sometimes it sounds like it comes from the center or left. The sound seems to sync with braking and I can feel it slightly on the floor and through the steering wheel.
The truck also pulls slightly to the left when braking and I feel the caliper or something on left side slightly moving up and down syncing with the noise.

I took it to a shop today and had the brakes inspected. He said the brakes were fine and there were no leaks from differential.

Can this be a front wheel bearing? Is there anyway to test this besides jacking up the truck and moving the wheel for play? I already tried this and nothing.
If it is a wheel bearing (i hope), whats the most inexpensive route to fix this? Ill probably buy parts online and take it to a mechanic.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

 

[Shibby!]

So ever since I purchased the truck I heard a faint whining noise coming from the front.. It seems like it is getting louder, but maybe its just me..

I notice it at speeds from 10mph and up. It doesn't go away or get louder when turning left or right. It gets louder when I accelerate and decreases as I slow down, almost sounds like a broken belt in a tire, but tires are fine. Sometimes it sounds like it comes from the center or left. The sound seems to sync with braking and I can feel it slightly on the floor and through the steering wheel.
The truck also pulls slightly to the left when braking and I feel the caliper or something on left side slightly moving up and down syncing with the noise.

I took it to a shop today and had the brakes inspected. He said the brakes were fine and there were no leaks from differential.

Can this be a front wheel bearing? Is there anyway to test this besides jacking up the truck and moving the wheel for play? I already tried this and nothing.
If it is a wheel bearing (i hope), whats the most inexpensive route to fix this? Ill probably buy parts online and take it to a mechanic.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

Wheel bearings generally get louder when you load them differently. Ie, smooth sweeping turns - round abouts, on-ramps, etc.

Your caliper doesn't move (other then horizontally), but your rotor can be warped. These can sometimes be turned or you can upgrade to the Tundra set-up.

First, I suggest taking a close look at your tires. If they are feathered / cupped or ... I forget the proper name, but "stepped" on the inside or outside that could be the result of your noises. I had a similar issue and replaced the wheel bearings. I think they are 70$ a pop so not cheap. They had 225KM on them so figured why not. The shop did say they had some play, but what fixed my issue was new tires. My old ones were cupped noticeably though. This can be caused by normal tire wear (Duellers seem to do it a lot I've noticed), or bad alignment.

Under braking and having the car dive is either alignment or warn parts. confirm the rack and tie rods are good. Check over your ball joints. The lower should be replaced at this point if it hasn't already for safety. Only buy OEM ball joints. Once again, with the proper tools this can be done yourself to save money. Quite easy actually with the right size puller. Impact makes it quick and easy but not needed.

For the cheapest wheel bearing replacement, take the spindles off the vehicle (not that hard with some proper tools) and have a shop press the bearings out and in. Have new seals and bearings handy. If this is the first time they'll likely be a *****, but don't tell the shop that. Try to hold them to their quoted price. A quality shop will know that they won't be easy but also know how to get them out in a timely manner. 3rd gens and 1st gen Taco's all have bearing in spindle. Hell I think most if not all newer vehicles do so they better get used to it =) 20 ton press is required.