Wheel bearing? CV Axle? Something else?

[Blstrick55]

2010 Ram 1500 4wd. Need some help diagnosing this issue. I’m getting some clunking noises when turning and going over bumps. Sometimes I can feel it in the steering wheel. It’s definitely from the front drivers side.

I jacked it up today and didn’t find much play in the tie rods or anywhere else. If I spin the wheel by hand I was getting a clicking noise and it didn’t feel like it spins as freely as the passenger side. Here is a video.

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[Jeepwalker]

Sure seems like wheel bearing to me. You could also try putting a short wood stick or piece of pipe against the inside of the hub close to the bearing, and press the other end against the front part of your ear ...and see if you can 'hear' the vibration as you or a helper rotate the wheel. The idea being you can zero in very closely where the sound is or isn't coming from.

I had a truck wheel bearing that was making a similar noise this summer. But mine had some 'play' in it too. Looks like you might have caught yours early.

 

[tron67j]

When my bearing went, I would be driving down the highway at speed, every so often it sounded like I was riding on the rumble strips. It would come and go. Had it happen on 3 different bearings. Good luck.

 

[Eric M]

Had the same problem only mine was on the right side. Replaced the hub/bearing and all is well

 

[Blstrick55]

Thanks guys I have a new bearing on the way and will update the thread after I replace it.

 

[Jeepwalker]

Depending on what you ordered, the last two aftermarket hub assemblies I bought had a measureable amount of run-out at the hub flange. Like .oo4". Therefore a rotor would never run 'true'. One hub was a mid-grade part off the internet. The other was OReiley's 'best'. That was the worst! Glad I checked before installing. Since then I just stick with OEM's (GM's recently) and I haven't had a problem since. I have installed a couple Moog wheel hub assemblies ...which I guess are aftermarket, they were made in Korea, but the quality and measurements were good. So, if you didn't order Mopar, I'd set a dial indicator up and check it before installing if I were you.

Piece of installation advice that I find works really well: Lower the lower a-arm with a jack, and rest the spindle directly onto a piece of 2x2" square tubing about 12-14" long which is on your concrete floor. Then whack the hub flange a number of times with a BFH. Having the spindle (knuckle) directly supported to the concrete allows the blows you give to really count. Usually comes off pretty easy. Best of luck