humming sounds

[gretzky]

I have a 2006 Ranger 2 wd. I am getting a loud humming that gets louder as I go faster. I checked the front wheel bearings by jacking up the front and I just get a little bit of play... the same on both sides. Is it normal to just have a little tiny bit of play? Could I have a bad tire? When I spin the tires on either side, it seems the same. Could the bearings be bad on both sides? 59000 miles on the trick

 

[doorgunner]

Hard to say.....not enough info......drive down a straight highway in the country where there is no traffic....

roll down the passenger's window & drive---how loud is the sound?

raise the passenger's window and roll down the driver's window---how loud is the sound---louder/the same/not as loud?

If you have a rear sliding window open it---how loud is the sound?

Drive down a curvy road---does the sound get lounder going around a lefthand curve or a righthand curve?

Stop in a safe palce after driving at 50 or 60 miles per hour...put your hand on the wheel over the whell bearing on each front wheel---does one feel warmer/hotter than the other?

Can you hear the hum at all when the engine is running & the truck is in nuetral or park?

 

[adsm08]

Bearing noise does not equal bearing play. Gently swerve down the road at speed as suggested. See if the noise changes as you go to one side or the other.

 

[Mark_88]

Or get someone else to drive and strap yourself to the hood...give yourself enough play in the strap so you can switch sides and stick your head over the hood to listen...wear goggles so you don't get bugs in your eyes...

But I think what DG suggested might work better...

 

[JC 97]

Take it apart and inspect the bearings while in your hand.If they are OK repack them and re-install.At 59000 miles have they ever been greased? if not you will know once they are out if they are shot.

 

[pjtoledo]

run your hand over the tires tread surfaces. are the tread blocks even or a bit "saw-toothed" ?