Humming Sound In Front-End

[Bass Fisherman]

I know this is similar to a thread already going but I noticed something in that thread that I am having a problem with...

I have an 2002 ext. cab, regular bed, 2wd that is making a humming noise at around 40mph but only when slightly accelerating. Can't really hear the noise when coasting or decelerating. I installed Pacesetter long-tubes about four-months ago, and while it is slightly loader under acceleration, I have tightened everything and don't think this is an exhaust vibration problem. I noticed GassGuzzler's response concerning the humming when slightly accelerating and it possibly not happening under deceleration. This sounded like my problem. Sometimes I hear the noise when the truck goes over a sudden-rise "bump" and un-loads the front-end.

More info... Last year, around this same time I had to replace the OEM front-left hub assembly for the same reason, bad bearing (whole front hub assembly replaced because the hubs are sealed and cannot be lubricated). At that time it was doing the same thing and it was definitely the front-left hub assembly. Is it possible I got a bad hub assembly when replacing last year? Or, could it be something in the lower part of the motor going bad (crank shaft, rod bearring, etc.) I religiously service the motor (changing oil every 3K-3.5K) miles and have never had an engine related problem; the truck has 112K miles on it and I have owned since new.

Even more info... We moved into a new house three years ago and I am constantly making a hard, 90* turn into my garage turning to the right which has a slight down-hill to it and is probably putting more pressure on the front-left hub assembly. Could this contribute to my problem of "using-up" the front-left bearing?

Thanks for any help, and sorry so long.

Paul Ham

[GasGuzzler]

Not sure what vehicle you have but hub bearings are a common failure. I have not replaced two on the same side that close together in time though.

Reminds me I need BOTH front hubs on my Blazer....