Well I thought it was the brakes. Pulled both front wheels. Brakes where done 6-7 months ago, but the front passenger inside pad was worn at the bottom. I changed the front pads, and found out the grinding is still there. It doesn't occur until I slow down to a near crawl. Then it sounds like I'm crushing rocks on my rotors. The sound will stay when I accelerate, but isn't as audible when I pick up speed. At slow speeds, I can hear it, but it's ridiculously loud when I use the brakes. When I had the wheel off, I didn't hear any noises when I spun the rotors/wheel.

I assume it's the bearings then? I've never encountered a worn bearing, so I didn't test for looseness when I had the wheels off. Is it something I can replace? I only have a "basic" mechanics set, but I found these instructions appear simple...

http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/showf...BB69&Number=546892&Forum


I assume I need a special tool to remove a lock nut ring? If I go to the local national parts chain, what exactly do I ask for? When I can remove the hub/rotor, what should I look for? Will it be quite obvious to see worn bearings? Are those bearings something I can pick up at the local parts store?

Thanks for any advice

if youve never repacked your bearings, its always a good idea to mix it into the maintenance. but, i would think with what your discribing... this isnt bearings <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />, i would think that it would get louder with speed and more noticable? im thinking something with the breaks... have you been wheeling lately? if so, check behind the rotor guard for little pebbles that will occasionally slip down and wedge inbetween the rotor and pads. it happens to me all the time <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" />. also, check the boots on the caliper pistons. once those are compromised your pistons will start to stick and cause a grinding noise. btw, is the noise coming from both sides and what do your rotors look like?

Rotors appeared fine. No noises when I spin the hub. My caliper shield is rusted and falling apart. It's slightly touching the rotor. Do you think that's the culprit? I'll tear it off, but I wouldn't think it would make such a loud noise.

Do you think it could be one of the clips on the caliper? On that year is there a wrong way on?

Well, I finally got someone to listen from outside the vehicle. It was the rear brake pads. I swore the noise came from the front. Pads were worn...actually gone. I put in new ones, but I'm going to have to get the rotors resurfaced. They're not too bad. I spent more time trying to get the dang wheels off than time spent replacing the brakes <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" />.

Bonus find: I finally got the rear end lifted to discover I have rear LSD <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />. Aside from the repair headaches, my Monty is turning out to be a real bargain. Now to only find some places to test it out....

DId you put bolts in the 2 threaded holes in the drum to jack the drum off the vehicle? No pun intended.
Bob Shaw