I am looking for some help. I think my front wheel bearings are going out.
I have jacked up the truck and grabbed the top and bottom of the tire and tried to feel for free play. They both seem solid. My question is with the brake caliper hugging the rotor isn't it going to feel solid even if the bearings are going bad?
The reason I think they are going bad is I am getting a howl in the front at about 35mph. It is louder when I am turning and there is a side load on the front tires. I have rotated the tires and I dont believe they are the problem. I have the cognito pitman/idler supports and Revo 265/75/16 on stock wheels. I am only at 44,000miles. I cant believe bearings would already be going on a heavy duty truck.
Thanks for any help

Put it on a lift in 4X4 and use a stethascope to pin point the problem. The brakes are not going to hold the bearing tight and the bearing doesnt have to be loose to be going bad. Using the scope will pinpoint what side or if it is a front Diff. problem. The scope will cost you about $15 from snap-on or any other tool dealer and will save you hundreds of dollars down the road.

Mine are also tight when pulling at 12 and 6, but when on a lift the DS wheel will stop quickly when spun by hand whereas the PS wheel will rotate a few before stopping. I too have the howl. I believe mine is the wheel bearing.

02GMCDMAX is yours louder when turning. There is a curved road in my neighborhood that I hear mine at its worst. 35mph turning left. It is odd to me it does not get louder with speed.

It can feel tight but the bearings sound like they're going bad. If it lessens in a right turn, it's the left hub and visa versa. Had to do mine at 95,000.