whirring noise!

Was wondering what as the best way to tell if a wheel bearing is on the way out. I have a whirring noise comes louder as the truck gets quicker. Cannot feel any play on the wheels but it sounds like a bearing. Also have vibration on steering wheel. Only had the truck a few weeks so don't have much history of how long its been happening. Front wheels have been balanced, tyres are not new. Just wondered if anyone knew how i could tell for sure it was a wheel bearing or not. Thanks.

jack each wheel and check for play without weight on them

it will be noisier when going round a corner ,lh corner rh bearing ,rh corner lh bearing

Haven't noticed it getting louder either way i turn but i will keep a keener ear tomorrow. It's not "really" noisy, just a small whirring so maybe it will become more apparent as it gets worse. Louder radio for now i think. I'll jack it tomorrow and give he wheels a tug about. Thanks.

check oil level in the diffs first ... and could be a CV joint too

Undid filler plugs in both diff's and got oil coming out so that's something. Just looked at MOT and it has an advisory on the offside track rod end ball joint, could this cause the vibration (is it the joint on the end of the pan hard rod?). I guess the best way to find the culprit is to take out the drive shafts and check them when i get chance.

As a bonus last night i noticed a fuel leak from the filter housing which was slightly damaged on the front high pressure cct. so that the copper washer wasn't sealing so removed quick release pipe, unscrewed fitting, applied threadlock then ptfe tape, screwed back in and no leaks.

track rod is rear of axle ,drag link front ,but could be joint on either as they tend to call both the same ,best way is to hold each rod and get someone to rock steering wheel you will feel see movement in joint

Hard to believe i'm actually enjoying tinkering with the old girl, had a 300tdi for 3 yrs with no probs at all, had 180,000 on it but i never had anything to play with (hard to believe i know). Just got this one and i'm already thinking of a defender next year!

Ok. Here's the update, cannot feel any play on the wheel bearings, rang Independant LR garage who told me to check the front Diff uj's. Checked them and found that the input shaft into the transfer box has a little play on the box! uj's seem ok. Is this normal? I'm guessing not as it will throw the propshaft out. Looked on Rave and observed a input shaft bearing in the box, not sure if this is replaceable or if the play is further in the box. Any ideas anyone? is it a new box

that box supports complete overhaul if u want, and you find all the bits u need at ashcroft transmissions... i overhauled mine not long ago... around 200 quid for the master rebuild kit(all the bearings, o-rings, seals, etc) , selector shaft and sleeve, hd cross pin and a set of diff gears ...good as new now ....u can find the more expensive bits too like input shaft or central diff if u need but these are quite strong and not common to fail ...they have rebuilt boxes too on a exchange basis if u are not up to DIY

Donnydarko0 said:

Ok. Here's the update, cannot feel any play on the wheel bearings, rang Independant LR garage who told me to check the front Diff uj's. Checked them and found that the input shaft into the transfer box has a little play on the box! uj's seem ok. Is this normal? I'm guessing not as it will throw the propshaft out. Looked on Rave and observed a input shaft bearing in the box, not sure if this is replaceable or if the play is further in the box. Any ideas anyone? is it a new box

Click to expand...

I always look for the easy stuff first and graduate to more sticky stuff if I have too.

For me I would be checking the rubber doughnut and replace if there are ANY cracks in the rubber. Next remove the front prop completely and check for wear in the U/j's. Also check for slackness in the propshaft flange bolt holes.

Think i have found vibration problem. drivers side track rod end as stated on advisory has play enabling that wheel to rock. Question is, there are clamps etc on the near side rod end but not on the driver side, does this mean i need to order the full rod with end on?

Assembly ordered for track rod. I love it when a plan comes together.