Front end wheel resistance??

[Kevin.womacks]

Hey All,
Recently my '05 automatic has felt like it has some sort of resistance in front wheels.
Even in neutral, it doesn't roll freely.
Steering seems fine. No shaking at high speeds.
The sound is more or less a quiet, low hum. Like knobby tires sound on highway.
I also thought it sounds and feels a little like gearing down.
P.s. 4wd not engaged.

I am about to check transmission fluid levels.

Thanks for any advise.

 

[KJowner]

Do the wheels feel warm after a run? What about the front diff?

 

[Kevin.womacks]

Do the wheels feel warm after a run? What about the front diff?

Wheels are good. Already checked brake calipers. They are good.
I am about to check front fluid levels.

 

[KJowner]

Any noise? The front propshaft CV joint is worth checking too, the small boot splits and it fills up with mud.

 

[Kevin.womacks]

Any noise? The front propshaft CV joint is worth checking too, the small boot splits and it fills up with mud.

Just very slight growling and tiny vibration that gets a little louder when turning right. Don't think it is bearing.
Would CV joint cause similar symptoms?

 

[KJowner]

Possibly, if the boot is damaged then definitely, but don't discount the wheel bearing, the big unitary bearings can feel OK when you spin the wheel but awful under real load, cheap Chinese bearings last around a year so don't be tempted by the price!
I'd jack it up and have a feel and listen to start with, you may be able to snip the stainless clip on the driveshaft CV boots Iarge end and slide them back to check the condition of the joints and grease, the noise on a right hand turn is more likely to be a driveshaft CV or wheel bearing.

 

[Kevin.womacks]

Possibly, if the boot is damaged then definitely, but don't discount the wheel bearing, the big unitary bearings can feel OK when you spin the wheel but awful under real load, cheap Chinese bearings last around a year so don't be tempted by the price!
I'd jack it up and have a feel and listen to start with, you may be able to snip the stainless clip on the driveshaft CV boots Iarge end and slide them back to check the condition of the joints and grease, the noise on a right hand turn is more likely to be a driveshaft CV or wheel bearing.

 

[Kevin.womacks]

Yeah. I am thinking it will end up being the driveshaft CV.
I had bearings replace at a reputable shop like 8000km ago.
And I know the boots are all cracked.
To diagnose, could I force some grease in to see if that changes the sound, you think?

 

[cemmakca]

Also its important to change transfer fluid and check the chain in it

 

[KJowner]

Yeah. I am thinking it will end up being the driveshaft CV.
I had bearings replace at a reputable shop like 8000km ago.
And I know the boots are all cracked.
To diagnose, could I force some grease in to see if that changes the sound, you think?

You could certainly try that, if you cut the clips on the large ends of the boots you can slide them back and have a look in the joints.
I often use stainless steel tywraps instead of the clips supplied with new boots, I find them easier to fit and tighten.

 

[Kevin.womacks]

You could certainly try that, if you cut the clips on the large ends of the boots you can slide them back and have a look in the joints.
I often use stainless steel tywraps instead of the clips supplied with new boots, I find them easier to fit and tighten.

Thanks. I will try that next.