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Front wheel noise

Sent to Car Experts September 30, 2006 10:23 a.m.

I drive a 2001 Dodge Durango SLT. There is a constant noise from the front end that sounds very much like noisy snow tires (sort of a buzz / hum). It is speed related not RPM related. I.E. when I am off the accelorator, the sound changes in pitch as I slow down (coasting) or speed up (coasting downhill). I have good road tires on the car so I've ruled that out. With all the windows closed and radio, heater etc. off, it is loudest and permiates the passenger cabin. There is no or virtually no "feeling" to it (no vibration in the steering wheel etc.) and it is definately coming from the front end.

It is slightly more pronounced and does in fact become a minor vibration at around 60 - 65 MPH. Additionally, at roughly that same speed, the brake and ABS warning lights both turn on and then stay on until I turn the ignition off.

I want to bring it to a shop, but have been through the "let's try this, let's try that" process of diagnosis before (spending lots of $ on things that turned out to be wrong) and I would to at least have a direction to aim in.

Please help.

Optional Information:
2001 Dodge Durango 5.7L

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $8

Answer
September 30, 2006 10:34 a.m. (11 minutes and 38 seconds later)

REPLIED

Good morning

Try this for me,on a deserted road get the truck up to speed(where you can here the noise) and steer the truck left to right ,do this a hard left to right(as hard as you can) and listen for the noise to change>if the noise changes when you steer one way or the other the wheel hub bearings are bad.Do this and then get back to me,and tell me which way the noise goes away.

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Reply to GENE
Sent October 06, 2006 7:32 p.m. (6 days and 8 hours later)

I've tried this and the sound does change very slightly in both directions (equally). However, as this is a 4 wheel drive vehicle with CV joints in the front, I was unaware that the front wheels even had bearings in the traditional sense. Could it be a CV joint? Either way, what can I expect for a repair cost at a reputable shop?

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Answer
October 06, 2006 9:05 p.m. (1 hour and 32 minutes later)

ACCEPTED

This is very difficult to diagnose over the internet,but all cars have wheel bearings on each wheel.There are bearings in the front wheels.I really hate to guess but this is a case of it could be either the bearings?or it could be the axle cv joints.I (or any mechanic) would have to listen and test drive to accurately diagnose this.But it either case this is what it will cost(approx) the wheel bearing job costs $250 per side Both front bearing Assembly's would be $500

If it is the axles this would cost $550 per side,$1100 car both axles.Please keep in mind that these are dealership prices,shop this around you can get it done a lot cheaper

__________________
If i have been helpful,please click accept.
If you need further assistance just ask and i'll be glad to help

GENE -- Auto Service Technician -- 100% Positive Feedback on 509 Car Accepts
ASE MASTER TECH 40 YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY

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