Hello all
Have a 2003 SE 139k miles, pretty good shape. I developed this noise from the right front wheel area that I only hear with the windows up. Difficult to discern whether its from the right wheel or transfer case/transmission area, but it's not that loud. I hear it mostly when coasting 20-30 mph and there's less engine noise, I've noticed it gets louder once the car is warmed up.

So the noise changes frequency with the speed of the car. I recently had the tires balanced and rotated, and changed the transfer case fluid using a new magnetic fill plug.

I suspected the front diff, so I changed that fluid. Then I thought it was the driveshaft, so I bought a new one and put it in - the noise persists. I swapped the front two tires, no change...also took all the little pebbles out of the tires, no change. Also when coasting and shifting to neutral the noise is there but it changes pitch/freq a little.

I was contemplating adding more transfer case fluid. Any other ideas?

Thanks

 

sorry for the asking a dumb question...

Have you checked for nail/screw/rock stuck in the tire?

 

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yep took out all the rocks. I was also worried about the new interior wheel weights rubbing on something so I took them off. I'm kinda stumped here

 

Probably not your case but I had the same issue a few months back... my rear driver side brake line had shifted over and the tire was rubbing it. Sounded like a rock was in my tire for a day or two.

 

I'de jack up the front and check the wheel bearing

 

Thanks, these are great suggestions. I'll take a look at the brake lines and check the wheel for play.

 

Hub, or CV = can click.

 

X1 .......... it could be a dry CV joint on the front half shafts. Jack the front up and check from all steering lock positions when turning one front wheel and also check both your wheel bearings. If possible use an engineers stethoscope.

Does the noise increase with the speed of the truck?

 

Yep increases with speed, only really hear it when coasting at 20-30 mph. It doesn't change with turning. I'll take a look at the CV joint too.

Thanks

 

Huggi, my money says it's a dry CV joint but do try the wheel bearings also.

PS: if you have the time and inclination install a new CV rubber boot but don't forget you'll need special grease for CV joints.