Need some analysis please...

[Donny]

My truck makes a ticking noise from the front left, under the truck sound. It speeds up as the truck accelerates, then either it stops, or I can't hear it anymore. I think it's the U Joint on the front drive shaft that may be going bad. The vehicle has 162K miles on it, so, it's getting up there! I was also thinking possible wheel bearing, or, front or rear axle 'letting go'?

 

[scotts74birds]

Would this be the Brand-X Avalanche you were gushing about in a previous post? Hmmmmmmm? A Hub bearing will get noisier as you load it. Does it get noisier in one turn than the other. I know Texas is mostly flat, so freeway cloverleafs are a good way to test this by loading one side of the truck or the other, at high speed. Front driveshaft shouldn't be turning. Maybe you mean axle-shaft if the truck has a solid front axle. Anyways, it is about the end-of-life for most FWD components at your mileage, Donny. I'm at 252,000 on my Ram 4x4, and I am getting near my 2nd rebuild. Did the first one myself, not that hard.

 

[Donny]

Yeah, that would be the Chevy! It's been a good vehicle, but this noise is driving me nuts. The CV joints look good, rubber boots intact. It's a fixed differential in the front frame assy. I don't notice any increased noise on loading it like you suggested. I think I'm just going to tear it apart!

 

[74sundance]

Just jack that side up and check the wheel for play..If it moves in all directions freely you need a hub/wheel bearing.If it moves front to back it's a tie rod and up or down would be a ball joint.If its none of the above spin the wheel by hand and listen to the axel.The sound of a wheel bearing only go's away with side to side movement while driving but a u-joint will go away at higher speed.A drive shaft u-joint will often squeek when first pulling away from a parking spot and then cause vibration but may go away at higher speeds.

 

[PDFROGMAN]

donny sounds like the hub bearing may be on it's way out
not a hard fix
replaced mine on my 99 dakota at 146K
need to do my Durango before the winter I have 196K on that truck
if CV were bad it would get worse on turns

 

[65-440]

the front driveshaft will be spinning anytime the vehicle is in motion, just not engaged inside transfer case so will not be under any load ! ... clicking noise could be CV axles, just cause the boots look good doesnt mean inside the boots is in good shape ! also maybe wheel bearing, or maybe even noise in brake area ? ... ive seen loose caliper bolts make funny noises .... ever way, good luck !!

 

[Satellite65]

Hubs/bearings usually growl when they're going south. You said you have a ticking sound. This may sound incredibly simple and stupid, but is it possible you just have a rock stuck in your tire tread? That'll drive you nuts.

 

[65-440]

This may sound incredibly simple and stupid, but is it possible you just have a rock stuck in your tire tread? That'll drive you nuts.

HAHA ..... very true !!!!

 

[Donny]

A few months ago I changed both inner and outer Tie Rod Ends. Had the tires rotated yesterday; noise still there. I think it's a U Joint, but will change the hub bearings out with the front and rear u joints on both drive shafts one of these days, prolly sooner vs. later.

Matter of fact, I think I'll do it this week after I get the 70 'Cuda 383 Convertible mounted on the Rotisserie, this way the lift is freed up!

Thanks for the analysis folks! If Dodge built an Avalanche I'd have one, even the RAMBOX the friggin dealers won't keep 'em or even buy 'em so I can't see one!

 

[65-440]

the RAMBOX is a pretty sweet idea, but not sure if its worth the lack of width in the bed. plus the boxes are small, cant really put much in there other than storing hand tools !

 

[Donny]

The boxes are MUCH bigger than my Avalanche boxes! But, the RAMBOX truck still has an open bed, the Avalanche has bed covers, rubber bed liner, and a light in there; too many plus' for me to abandon!

Had my neighbor, Polo, the Mexican Mechanic, he put 2 new front U-Joints on the front drive shaft, I provided the joints, he did the labor; 30 bucks and 45 mins later, no noises!

 

[65-440]

good deal Donny .... cheap labor and no more noise !!

 

[Donny]

Next; Body Mounts, change 'em!