How to tell difference between bad wheel hub and bad CV axle?

[ChrisAU]

Well on my 98 I've heard a sound that sounds like loud tires at high speeds, and I've been putting it off to look into later as I do other things. Today my roommate rode with me to run some errands, and he noted how he could feel it on his side. I got him to drive back home and I can definitely feel it on the passenger side. I was thinking rear end or transfer case previously, but since I can only feel it on one side I'm thinking its something on the front passenger side. I will have the wheels off this week to replace my shocks, how can I test to see if its the hub assembly or the CV axle making the noise? I'll get this thing buttoned up good someday soon!

 

[outalne94z71]

wheel bearing noise usually goes away when turning

 

[1997chevydriver]

wheel bearing noise usually goes away when turning

Or gets louder

Sent from somewhere in MN

 

[ChrisAU]

Well I can only hear it at high speed, it appears about 15-20 mph and gets louder as I go faster. It isn't louder than the tires, which are quiet tires, but it is noticeable. I have noticed a pop a few times while turning at low speed, which tells me CV (I don't feel it I just hear it).

 

[tscherbi]

Have you jacked up your frontend up and checked for bearing freeplay? Yes cv axles do get noisy, if you dont know how to tear them apart to inspect them I would just replace the passenger side, once you are sure your bearing isnt bad

 

[ChrisAU]

I am going to tomorrow I think if I can get time to do my shocks. I can get a CV axle from Advance for like $45 after a coupon code, but a new Timken bearing will be $115 minimum so hopefully its the CV.

 

[outalne94z71]

I am going to tomorrow I think if I can get time to do my shocks. I can get a CV axle from Advance for like $45 after a coupon code, but a new Timken bearing will be $115 minimum so hopefully its the CV.

timkin bearing is $77 at rock auto and there is a $5 off code on this site

 

[Horns]

You can tell if the wheel bearing is bad by the amount of play in it.

 

[outalne94z71]

You can tell if the wheel bearing is bad by the amount of play in it.

not always, i fixed my buddies 98 k3500 that it growled but had no play

 

[ChrisAU]

timkin bearing is $77 at rock auto and there is a $5 off code on this site

They aren't listed for me? I looked for my 92 and they arent listed there either. The 98 is different because of the ABS provisions.