Please help with this grinding noise problem.

[mikeberrys]

Hey guys, here’s back story: Three weeks ago I was in the mud with my 2006 1500 mega cab 4x4, dropped the passenger front tire in a deep spot and got stuck. No tow hooks, unable to pull from the rear, so was winched from the sway bar. Unfortunately the end links were bent to hell and bushings pulled from frame. Power steering pump also squealing and hard to steer. (fluid level empty.) I left it parked for a week, mud and all. 2nd week: got to work. Washed the truck. Had to remove sway entirely due to its condition, added fluid in powersteering ( I will need to replace pump anyway) ordered pump, and end links, bushings. Still waiting for new parts I drove it around a few times then gradually I noticed a grinding noise, now it’s very noticeable, a constant grind, at speeds above 10 miles/hr. the faster I go it gets louder, I hear it coming from front passenger side. So I pulled the caliper, even wear on pads, no metal on metal, have the truck raised, very slight play both front wheels at 12o’clock 6o’clock, fluid level good on front and rear differential and transfer case. 4wd working fine. Just this constant grind while driving, different from power steering pump failure. Any Ideas?

 

[HemiBabe]

Welcome to RF,

I'm sure someone will chime in shortly

 

[nim81]

Sounds like either a rock stuck in between dust shield and rotor, or possibly your hub bearing going out

 

[mikeberrys]

@ HemiBabe, thanks. @ nim81, I removed all that hardend mud from the rotors and caliper thinking the same, it may very well be the bearing, that's why I checked for wheel play. is there an acceptable amount of play? both have slight play, makes a clunk sound when i move them in and out.

 

[mikeberrys]

anyone know a good tutorial on replacing the bearings? would appreciate some pointers?

 

[HemiBabe]

Not sure but this may help:

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How To Install Repair Replace Front Wheel Bearing Hub Dodge Ram 1500 02-08 1AAuto.com - YouTube

 

[mikeberrys]

well, I took a look at the brakes again. I removed the caliper, pads. hung the caliper, started the truck, pressed on the brakes, turned off the truck. One piston pushed out, the other pretty much stayed where it was when I took it off. Thinking this means I have a frozen piston.

 

[mikeberrys]

Update: well I turned the front rotors, new brake pads, rebuilt the front passenger caliper with two new pistons and kit, bled brakes, re-attached the front sway bar, new powersteering pump. I still have this grinding noise in the passenger rear (no longer from the front). with the windows up, air off I hear it from that side. the Im wondering if the parking brake may be at fault, or maybe the bearing? Any way to quick check or troubleshoot to see if it's one or the other? Fluid level good in rear differential.

 

[mikeberrys]

it's a worn driveshaft center support bearing....

 

[ron-333]

Thank you for the follow-up on resolving the issue.
I'm about to tear into mine as well, but the groaning sound is definitely from the front and goes away if I turn right, but gets louder as I turn left. Straight line sounds like what you described. If replacing the bearing hubs doesn't fix it, I'll take a look at that driveshaft center support bearing. I've already replaced the CV half-shafts as of last week, so I know they aren't the cause.