Hello, looking for any help where to diagnose this loud roaring sound from the front end. I have a 2000 GMC Jimmy. So far I have replaced:

Upper and Lower Ball Joints
Both CV Axles
New Wheel Hubs and Bearings
Front brake pads
New ABS Wires

The sound starts from about 20mph up. I don’t know where to look next but the sound kinda sounds like a bad wheel bearing. I’ve also noticed after replacing the parts above I also have a vibration at higher speed, 65-80mph. I was hoping to fix the issue as the sound was there before I replaced parts above but now seems it’s getting worse. Could it be my front differential? Warped rotors? The sound is loud enough to drown out my radio. No popping or clicking when turning, just this loud roaring sound. On a side not my steering wheel has been starting to wonder as well while on the highway. I know that maybe from tie rods or some other part that I’ll have to take a look at but would really like to solve this roaring sound first. Thankyou for your help and responses in advance.

 

Check play in pitman and idler arms.

I would also think about an alignment.

is it 4x4? I would check out the ujoints.

How are the control arm bushings?

 

Thanks for the fast reply. It is 4X4. I have not looked at ujoints or idler arm yet. Control arm bushings have seen better days. I was planning on replacing all soon but I don’t any of the above mentioned would cause a roaring sound like a bearing? Or would it? Sorry, but thankyou again for the help

 

Yes and no, but it will effect steering play and such, and depending on the tires and angle of tires(idler arm and tie rods effected), it could cause the sound of a hub.

 

Gotcha. I was planning on doing the idler, pitman, control arms and tie rods in about a month but this sound kinda has me worried it might be something wrong with from diff. I’m going to try and disconnect vacuum line to make sure it’s not the vacuum switch, which I’ve replaced already. Hopefully it’s not the new gears for the 4x4 getting destroyed lol. But if not that, I don’t know what else it could be 🤦🏻‍♂️

 

Just wanted to give an update so far. So got back in to the half shaft and did the bravada mod to get rid of all vacuum 4x4 stuff. Inside I checked the bearings in the half shaft as well as the bearing in the front differential, both were good, passenger side anyways. I found a bunch of shredded metal shavings looking like the T1000 at the bottom of the differential. I was just in this transfer case not but 2 months ago to replace the 4x4 collar that was shaved away. The new one I put in still looked good as well as all the other components, so now I know I have something shaving metal off something but have no idea where this can be lol.

 

Nvm... didn't sink in while reading

 

Yeah, I’ve replaced most of the front end so it’s either got to be the Front Diff or the Front Axle Shaft. When I get a chance I’m going to pull the front shaft and take it for a short drive to see if the sound is gone. I have uploaded a video to YouTube and hopefully the sound comes through. Thanks again for all your help guys on the issue and I’ll follow up when I’ve tested some more.

 

I think I hear it ... unfamiliar with it... wondering if its inside the front diff... I'm having my spare one rebuilt along with my zr2 rear end... hoping to have that in for Xmas...

 

So pulled the front shaft today hoping it was the cv joint on it but alas the noise is still there. I don’t know what else it can be. Either front differential or the bearings inside of it. I’ve replaced almost everything else on this ride haha. I’m going to drive around without the front shaft until this weekend. There is a little binding in the cv so might as well replace it while I have it out.

Hopefully your ZR2 rebuild is going smoother than mine haha, that’s awesome you’ll have your front diff in by Christmas. Hope it all goes smooth for you brotha.

Thinking of putting all 4 tires on stands and going hunting with a stethoscope on Sunday. Hopefully I find this issue before it blows haha 😂