Wierd noise while driving

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prez1967

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Just started two days ago. Happens randomly while cruising. Steady on gas, smooth road

 
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prez1967

prez1967

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Happening more and more today. Doesnt affect driving, but it is getting louder and lasts longer. Started 10 min into commute, ended 20 min into commute, I drove for 45 min into work this morning.

Temperature normal, engine/tranny responsiveness normal, no CEL.

Any ideas? I should have time to throw it on lift either tonight or Tuesday after work.
 

Wegner44

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Sounds like it is possessed! Does it make a difference if you are going slightly uphill? Normal terrain changes? Or totally random?
 
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prez1967

prez1967

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Totally random!!! I can sometimes induce it if i make a sharp left wheel jerk but not always. Nothing at low speeds.

Planning on putting car up on lift tonight. I imagine its suspension related? No performance/driveability different when noise occurs so I'm hoping its something simple.
 

the bus

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Does it change if turn wheel a little? Maybe a front wheel bearing hub.

Also check for vacuum leaks. Sort of sounds like 4wd trying to engage partially. There is a vac hose going to each hub. But the leak could be elsewhere. A large vacuum leak will cause a lean check engine light, but small one will do this. Also if using ac it will flip vent to defrost.

Nice video.. helps a little.
 

Wegner44

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If it wasn't so loud, I would theorize front wheel bearings. But that growl seems pretty loud, almost like a shudder/vibration. Can't wait to hear what this is.
 
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prez1967

prez1967

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Truck was in 2wd when this issue first materialized. Truck was switched into 4x4 two days ago when we got some wet snow for about 20 min.

Would that rule out vacuum leak?
 
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prez1967

prez1967

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C429E3A9-9EE8-497F-80E7-5044DD2B54A0.jpeg

Looks like passenger side front axle boot needs attention but is this the possible source of my noise?

Also, any decent write ups on how to replace a front axle? Also need to replace front axle seals that have been seeping a bit
 

rjdelp7

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AC compressor? Turn off defroster. It kicks on randomly, when in that mode. Grease around boot, it needs attention.
 

StreetCreeper

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Looks like your CV boot has shit the bed. Pull it back where it's broken and see if there's any grease left on that CV. My guess is that your CV is going out.
 

Adieu

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Clean up the mess and look closely, cant tell for sure but kinda looks like a crack in the LCA??

Also all that gunk's point of origin, that isnt a leak in the brake line is it?
 
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prez1967

prez1967

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904E20EC-06DA-4903-876C-34F25658E2AC.jpeg AA35D392-F93C-4F78-A923-9660FD418A73.jpeg Out with the old...

Brake lines look good, i couldnt find any cracks or play in any joints.

Had a hell of a time getting original axle out, new one went in without issue though.

Some in progress shots. All that gunk was hell to clean... test drive went well in neighborhood. Drive into work tomorrow will tell
 

rjdelp7

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Removal of brake caliper and lower ball joints, is how my mechanic changed mine.
 
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prez1967

prez1967

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Drove to work today, drove to and from Home Depot and the noise seems to be gone.

Its damn cold today, glad I got the job done yesterday.

First time doing such an install on my own in my garage. Very happy with the results and happy that my oldest son came out to "help" also.

Looking forward to diving into more jobs like this in the future!
 
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