[sgtrogerp3]

i have recently noticed a vibration, or better described as a "pulsation", in the steering wheel which increases as my speed increases, and is noticeable above 40mph. i can even hear the faint pulsating sound. probably similar to a wheel being out of balance, but i've rotated the wheels to rule that out. when i had the front wheels in the air, there was just a little play in the driver side wheel when i grabbed it and shook it (half inch maybe?), and little to none in the passenger side. i don't recall if it was moving in the 12/6 or 9/3 positions. it's more of an annoyance than a safety concern for me.
i don't remember when it first started, but recently i accidently drove my truck on dry pavement in 4WD HIGH for about 7 miles, but didn't notice until i made a tight turn into a parking lot and the front end jerked and hopped. i posted this act of stupidity in another forum and the majority feel i didn't screw anything up. this vibration / pulsating may be coincidence and unrelated, so any suggestions on what to look for? i'm probably going to bring it to the local dealer, but i'd feel more comfortable telling them what to look at!

 

[heymccall]

How many miles on your truck???
Sounds like a wheel bearing.

 

[sgtrogerp3]

57,000 miles. have an appointment with the dealer in a week. assuming it's the bearings, is it a big job?

 

[heymccall]

2500's take a little longer because the studs need pressed out of the hub and rotor. There's nothing wrong with getting a quote first. The bearing, with or without the speed sensor, varies in price depending on where they buy it. My local dealer also sell aftermarket parts for some things. The job should be less than three hours with an experienced (at this job) mechanic on such a new truck, age wise (less corrosion.)

I find that most of my sealed unit bearing failures come from brake pads being frozen in place at the rear axle, thereby working the front brakes harder. Heat is the number 1 cause of bearing failure in my fleet.

 

[Antnee77]

Is it a front or rear wheel bearing? I did the front driver's bearing yesterday and it was a piece of cake. Took less than an hour. Got the entire hub assembly (with ABS wheel speed sensor) for under $200 from RockAuto.com which is pretty good considering the local dealers wanted $403.

 

[woodchuck2]

If you replace the wheel bearing assembly yourself take the time to clean the rust build-up from the back side of the rotor to prevent a rotor pulsation. Clean rust from sliders/brackets as mentioned above also.