Hi all,
I have this awful humming noise up front getting worse and worse. At first I thought it was just the cold. But soon realized it was a part failure. It gets louder with speed and seems to be loudest at about 30-40 mph. Jerking the wheel seems to dull the noise for a second then it returns. So I know it is the wheel bearing or at least think I know. My question is the steps and tools needed, specifically the tools needed. I don't want to be half way into this and not have a ride or a tool. What is the part number do I need to buy a whole new spindle, bearings, what? Its the front bearing on a 1997 4.6l 4x4 abs on the rear only. I have searched and did not find all the answers to my questions if I missed a thread I apologize.

 

I'm now thinking it could be something with the iwe solenoids. I have spent a lot of time researching and from what I understand if I where to jack the front up with the engine on, tranny in park, and tcase in 2wd. I should be able to spin the front wheel/cvshaft and the front differential shaft should not spin. If it does I have either a bad solenoid or a vacuum leak in the system. Is this a correct thought? I have always had a groan in 4wd ever since I bought the vehicle it gets louder with speed (attributed it to low fluid in the front). But now I got this groan or hum sound in the front in 2wd. Im gonna replace the bearings probably needs to be done anyways and go from there. Insight would be greatly appreciated Thank you.

 

to check your hub bearings you need to jack up the truck in the front, and grab the wheel at 12 and 6 oclock try to move the tire backe and forth, if there is play you have bad hubs........get back with the news and we can go from there.