Grinding noise front right wheel

[Hiaasen]

Hi all. I've got a 2005 Ranger FX4 (level 1, 5 spd manual) that just started a slow grinding noise that sounds like a tire rubbing in the front right, but I have no clearance issues. It only happens when I'm turning left starting at about halfway to the left from dead center. It's variable with speed, but always present. I've looked at all my CV boots, ball joints, tie rod ends and linkage bushings and everything looks solid. This started some time after I went wheeling about a week ago. The only odd thing I recall during that outing is when I tried to climb an obstacle in 4 Low while turned to the right, got stuck, and then reversed my way out. While in reverse in 4 Low, my rear left tire came off the ground and spun but it felt like my front wheels weren't driving at all. When in forward gears after that, front wheels felt engaged and they do now in both high and low. On pavement, I'm always in 2wd. Sound is consistent regardless of 2wd/ 4 High or 4 Low. Not sure the sound is related to the way the front end performed on that obstacle, but wanted to mention everything. Has anyone has an issue like this before?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Check your front right wheel bearing.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Agreed... likely a wheel bearing.

Jack up the suspect side and check for looseness.

Typically... they well make some level of noise going straight forward... and change pitch... be amplified cornering.

 

[SenorNoob]

Earlier design, but I just changed a set of wheel bearings that made an awful roaring but had zero play...