Squeaky passenger front wheel?

[dcbenvoy]

My front wheel is making noise. I thought it sounded like a u joint but after reading a few posts it seems I don't have those in the wheels??

How do I diagnose this?

I have 160k and I am not the original owner. But I haven't had to do anything yet so it is all new to me.

2004 Envoy xl. 4x4

Thanks, Doug

 

[Wooluf1952]

If the sound changes from driving straight to turning left or right, it is probably a wheel bearing going bad.

 

[The_Roadie]

You do have CV shafts, and if a boot is torn, and the grease leaked out, one of them could be dry and squeaking. Or the inboard side of the passenger CV shaft goes into a bearing unit with an electrically-actuated disconnect. If that shaft wiggles up and down where it enters the disconnect (bolted to the oil pan) it's a very bad sign that you need to put in a new $500 unit. What's your DIY experience level?

 

[dcbenvoy]

I had replaced front end suspension on my dodge ram many times.

It appears to have been a simpler set up but my intimidation could be unfamiliarity.

I was hoping to diagnose it so i could weigh costs. I would prefer doing it myself because I enjoy it but If it is a brutal job then I'll have to have it done. I recently had some new hardware installed in my neck!

 

[Matt]

I'm not far from you and some other guys aren't either. I'd be willing to give you a hand doing the jobs that you can't...but first things first. If you can follow Wooluf and Roadies suggestions to determine what the problem might be, we can create a plan of attack.

Is it actually a squeak or a "grinding" type noise?

 

[dcbenvoy]

Thanks guys. Matt, I'll do some looking and get back. Thanks, Doug

 

[dcbenvoy]

My wife drove it today and didn't hear anything.

It occurs to me that we were on vacation in Hocking Hills. It is very similar to the smoky mountains; very curvy roads. so it is definately making noise on the turns. I'll jack it up tomorrow and inspect the boots.