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mowermech's avatar
mowermech
Explorer
Jan 13, 2014

Hey, Dodge Gurus...buzzing/rumbling noise

Appears to be coming from the front end of an '01 Ram 1500.
What is the most likely candidate; front hub bearings, axle disconnect, or differential side gears?
It is not tires, had them rotated. The noise is present whether in four wheel drive or not (that kind of eliminates the differential or the axle disconnect, doesn't it?) Is it likely that the noise is being transmitted so that it sounds like it is coming from the front, but it really isn't?
It is REALLY loud at 60 to 70 MPH.
It has not gotten any worse since I bought the truck.
Ideas? Personal experience?
Tow Vehicles

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  • mayo30's avatar
    mayo30
    Explorer
    Jan 13, 2014
    Does it change noise if you steer right or left,louder when braking and turning either direction?Louder or vary when turning either direction in four wheel,coasting or power?Vary with tire air pressure?Reverse and turn either way in four wheel and not.You are a logical person you will find it if you are methodical.Let us know.Universal joints are weird some time,did you do a hoist check of joints with no weight on wheels?
  • bguy's avatar
    bguy
    Explorer
    Jan 13, 2014
    x whatever on wheel bearing. Louder at speed, progressively worse. Often from inside the vehicle it sounds like the opposite side making noise.
    Don't be too fast to eliminate the tires though. I had a 99 Rav that I was sure had 2 bearings gone. Different tires and smooth as silk (for a Rav).
  • Oaklevel's avatar
    Oaklevel
    Explorer
    Jan 13, 2014
    High Miles?? Is it AT or straight drive? Lot of things it could be.

    1st opinion front wheel bearing.

    Just a thought put the transfer case in neutral & the transmission in neutral Not moving let the engine idle. Do you hear the noise then? My Ford Bronco had bad bearings in the transfer case & had a loud roar.
  • mowermech's avatar
    mowermech
    Explorer
    Jan 13, 2014
    newman fulltimer wrote:
    Could it be the fan clutch is bad.try to spin the fan it should spin freely.
    Or if it has that little hemi bee he must be tired


    From sig.:
    "2001 Dodge QC SWB, 360 Magnum, Auto, 4X4"
    No, it isn't the fan. the noise does not vary with engine RPM.
  • newman_fulltime's avatar
    newman_fulltime
    Explorer II
    Jan 13, 2014
    Could it be the fan clutch is bad.try to spin the fan it should spin freely.
    Or if it has that little hemi bee he must be tired

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