suburbans_are_cool

When driving my 2009 Suburban, I hear a constant low-pitched noise that sounds similar to wind noise, or far away thunder coming from the front right wheel, and it is not very loud. At higher speeds, it gets quieter, but that might just be the wind and road noise drowning it out. Sometimes, when driving slower, or turning, it makes a louder clanking/crunching metal on metal noise for around a second. The first symptom makes me think it is a wheel bearing, and the second seems like some suspension bushing issue. Im pretty sure it is just one part that is failing as both symtoms started at the same time. What could be the cause of this problem, and what should I do to further diagnose it?

repairman54

Jack it up with tire slightly off the ground. Put a bar under the tire and lift it up looking for any movement in the tire, should not be any. Front hub bearings wear out, I've done 2 on mine around the 100k mile mark.

suburbans_are_cool

I did that, and the right one was really bad, and the left one moved a tiny bit and required more force to move. Is the left one normal? Rockauto.com has an inner bearing and an outer one. Do I need to get both? Also, are there any good tutorials you know of?

repairman54

Should be zero play. Front hubs come as a one-piece assembly, bearings are built in and not separate.

suburbans_are_cool

What are some good brands that manufacture the wheel bearings? Is Moog good?

repairman54

I would say no to Timkin, had too many not last long in FWD cars. All this stuff is made from Chinesium. I had one Moog go bad in 30k miles in my Tahoe, the other side is still going fine so who knows as I like Moog stuff. Just don't go for the cheap hubs as you get what you pay for if you're going to put the miles on.