Wheel bearing noise or tire noise?

[AndyFromWI]

Two months ago I purchased a 1997 4runner limited with 197K. I know have 198K on it, and am happy with the 4runner but I'm wondering if I might have an issue with the wheel bearings.

I hear a thumping noise when driving. I can also feel it through the steering wheel. It starts around 50mph and increases in frequency with speed. I seem to hear it less on better roads / interstate highways. I do notice an increase in sound when I hit a bump. Turning left seems to marginally decrease the noise.

Recently I have replaced the steering rack bushings (I had steering play), and the lower ball joints (was told they were bad when I went for a front end alignment).
The front tires are not the greatest and will need to be replaced this year.

I also tested for play by jacking up the front end, and trying to move the front wheels East - West and North - South It does not seem like there is any play when I manually move the wheels.

Here is a youtube video of the sound, it starts around 19 seconds into the video. Any thoughts / comments would be appreciated.

Video of the noise while driving:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5JLRT6wwrI&feature=youtu.be

Thank you.
andy

 

[KidVermicious]

Rotate your tires, backs to front. If it changes or goes away, you found your trouble.

Welcome to the board.

 

[AndyFromWI]

Rotated tires, still have light thumping

Thanks for the suggestion. Yesterday I rotated the tires (front to rear).
The front now has the tires with the better tread...
I did another test, but I'm still hearing the noise, I think it is not as bad...


Test 1: (better tires on the rear)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5JLRT6wwrI

Test 2: (better tires on the front)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTNxLgV1Xg8&feature=youtu.be

Perhaps this is normal, again I'm new to the 4runner so I'm not positive what to expect..

Thanks again for all the help
-andy

 

[jgue467]

Seems ok to me

at most that's ur tires but they seem quieter than mine!

If u lift wheels, I'm guessing they all spin freely w/no noises then? I'd try that route to isolate the sound.