Replaced lower ball joints, have weird noise coming from the front right wheel now

[uncleslam23]

Took it in to a shop today and the mechanic drove around the block with me. He said it sounded like the front wheel bearing was going bad, and quoted me $500 to have it replaced.

The noise started shortly after I replaced my LBJ's, and has gotten progressively worse. It now sounds like a light grinding noise. Is there anything I could have messed up while I was down there? The mechanic today seemed pretty knowledgable, I just want to rule anything else out before I drop $500.

 

[Diesel_Dog]

How are your brake pads? If they are worn it could be the source of the grind?

 

[uncleslam23]

Good thinking. I'm gonna tear it apart tomorrow and I'll check them out. Wouldn't I only hear the grinding when I brake though, as opposed to all the time?

 

[Diesel_Dog]

Good thinking. I'm gonna tear it apart tomorrow and I'll check them out. Wouldn't I only hear the grinding when I brake though, as opposed to all the time?

If your right down to the ware bars it could be grinding there. Start with jacking it up and rocking the tire back and forth. With new LBJs you should be tight, rocking could indicate it is indeed the bearings.

Good luck!

 

[downpour11]

You probably accidentally bent your dust shield inward, causing the dust shield to rub against the wheel hence your grinding noise all the time.

 

[MattAK]

You probably accidentally bent your dust shield inward, causing the dust shield to rub against the wheel hence your grinding noise all the time.

I did this when replacing mine. Had to take the rotor off and pound it back flat again.

 

[downpour11]

I just went from behind the tire and used a pry bar.