Bearing noise/rotational noise @ 24,000 miles

[ctuan13]

So I'm wondering if it's just in my head, but I have exceptionally sensitive hearing and given that others have mentioned having hub bearings fail at lower mileage I figure it's worth discussing:

I first noticed something odd last summer on my cross-country country road trip, that starting around 40ish mph, I'd get an ever so slightly rotational almost bearing sound, though it never had the same deeper roaring sound of failed bearings I've heard in the past and not the same as the failed axle shaft on my Marauder either...

At first I thought it was tires, but now that I've got brand new Michelins, I doubt it's that. It also doesn't change in pitch or tone even when traversing different road surfaces at speed.

This sure is an inconvenient time as I was supposed to be leaving for my trip this year in half a week. I have an appointment already at the dealership in a couple days. But in the meantime, I'm gonna get it up in the air and do some testing.

If they can't find anything wrong or won't replace the faulty bearing (if there is one), I plan to take care of it myself before I leave.

TL;DR experience odd rotational sound at and above around 40mph. Quiet enough that a rough road can drown out, but noticeable enough to be reminded constantly.

Any of you experience this? And for those who had a failed hub bearing, is this what you had before it went out?

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[ctuan13]

Anyone else have this issue?

 

[TaxmanHog]

Anyone else have this issue?

Nope, but my hearing is trash from loud motorcycles & drag racing...................

 

[Firn]

No sounds here, but I'm at a fair bit less miles.

Not sure how many miles you have driven since last year but IMO a bearing issue would likely quickly get worse. If it's been that long, assuming the truck has been driven, and the sound is no worse then I wouldn't worry too terribly much about it.

 

[WildBlue]

Does the sound change when turning left or right?

I have a sound that might be somewhat similar on my 2024 Flash, but it definitely changes depending on road surface. The original AT tires the truck came with made the sound louder than the Michelin Defenders on the truck now. Given the sound also changes with road surface quality, I assume mine is just a tire-related sound -- so it's probably not quite the same thing you're experiencing.

 

[Basalt]

Sure it's not a pebble lodged against the break rotor?

 

[kstype]

I have just over 67,000 miles on my 2023 Lightning Lariat ER and have never heard any issues ( and I have very sensitive hearing ). Hope they can isolate the issue for you.

 

[Adventureboy]

Super quiet at 31,000 miles and my hearing is pretty tuned to mechanical issues.

 

[ctuan13]

No sounds here, but I'm at a fair bit less miles.

Not sure how many miles you have driven since last year but IMO a bearing issue would likely quickly get worse. If it's been that long, assuming the truck has been driven, and the sound is no worse then I wouldn't worry too terribly much about it.

Yeah, I think I've driven at least a couple thousand miles since last year so that's why I find this unusual. After another test drive, I've decided not to worry about it until I get back.

 

[ctuan13]

So after further testing, I can't seem to cause any appreciable change in the pitch, volume or tone of the sound, even when side loading in corners, bumps, acceleration, deceleration, etc so I'm gonna just gonna leave it for now. I guess it also doesn't help that my schedule got busy and I'm not gonna be able to make my service appointment tomorrow.

Either way, after all this specific testing, it would seem much more likely that the sound is originating from one or both of the motors themselves or their gearboxes.

So I'm simply gonna double check that the fluid levels are still normal and the condition of the fluid (ie if there's any excessive amount of wear material, etc) and if all that checks out, I guess I just need to stop listening so hard lol

 

[Henry Ford]

Does the sound change when turning left or right?

I have a sound that might be somewhat similar on my 2024 Flash, but it definitely changes depending on road surface. The original AT tires the truck came with made the sound louder than the Michelin Defenders on the truck now. Given the sound also changes with road surface quality, I assume mine is just a tire-related sound -- so it's probably not quite the same thing you're experiencing.

I have this phenomenon as well. On certain recently paved roads there's a slight hum that gets my attention. Good thing there are very few recently paved roads in Michigan.

I run Lariat ATs in the winter and Platinum All-Seasons in the summer. I'll try to remember to test on the same stretch of pavement when I swap tires next month.

 

[Grumpy2]

I can't seem to cause any appreciable change in the pitch, volume or tone of the sound, even when side loading in corners, bumps, acceleration, deceleration, etc

The only revolving thing left is the interior heat/cool fan?

 

[ctuan13]

The only revolving thing left is the interior heat/cool fan?

You're right and that'd be a good suggestion except, the sound isn't present at rest or when the truck is stationary or below around 40MPH.

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