bearing noise, which one??

[rhoden24]

my ranger has some bearing noise in the front while driving in a straight line, there is another roaring sound when turning left, how can i determine if its a wheel bearing and which one or if its a cv joint or pinion bearing?? I was also trying to find out if there are bearings where the axle slides into the differential housing or just a retainer ring and seal. Any help or info would be awsome...

Thanks in advance, Brian

 

[michowski]

Have you taken any of the front bearings out and seen if they are properly lubricated? Start with wheel bearings and move on untill you find the problem.

 

[rhoden24]

No I've been a little scared to dive in without knowing whats what on this thing, guess i'll just have to get it in the air and take it apart and have a look see, i just worry about not gettin it back together quick enough......only vehicle we have right now

 

[michowski]

Better to be stranded at home then on the side of the road somewhere.

 

[cr_the_machinist]

Simplest way to diagnose wheel bearings is to jack up both wheels on the front and/or back on jack stands. Then inspect the wheel for any play in relation to the steering knuckle or axle housing. Those wheel bearing are sealed for life (meaning once you hear noise grease is not going to solve your problem, the bearing assembly must be replaced). Also, the front CV joints on your truck are live axles, so they are rotating all the time. More noise while turning is very characteristic of worn CV joints.

Taking the wheels and rotors/drums off will make it easier to wobble and move the axle to diagnose an aged bearing that has gone out of tolerance.

Please correct me if I'm wrong, I'm just going off of past experience at this point.

Also, check for torn boots on the CV joints. A torn boot will cause a CV joint to fail very quickly due to foreign material entering the bearing surfaces on the assembly.