Front End bearing/rummbling Noise in 2001 Pathfinder

budzinsk · Oct 13th, 2008, 11:29 AM

Hello. I have a 2001 Pathfinder with 80K miles on it. About 20K miles ago I noticed a rumbling sound in the front end. I assumed it was the wheel bearings, so I replaced them, but the sound was still there. I replaced them again 5k miles ago, and the sound is still there and getting worse. I can also feel a vibration in the wheel and on my foot when driving.

The noise is most pronounced between 40 and 50 MPH. After that you do not hear it at all. I thought I may not be adjusting the wheel bearings correctly so I took it to a garage and he said the wheel bearings are fine. He suspected it was the differential. Do these go out frequently on Pathfinders?

Here are some other factors in this issue:
1. When going over a hill, the noise goes away until the weight of the vehicle is back on.
2. Going around a corner in either direction does not make the noise go away.

Any ideas?
Thanks,
Rob

ShadowTek · Oct 13th, 2008, 07:46 PM

How long has it been since your wheels have been balanced?

budzinsk · Oct 13th, 2008, 08:22 PM

Hi. Thanks for the reply. About a year ago. But I have rotated the tires and no difference.

ArtNismo · Oct 23rd, 2008, 02:30 AM

You said "noise won't go away when turning on corners". That's how u test for wheel bearing. Seems it won't go away, It's the Differential. Noise only happen on 40 to 50 mph, Differential.
Is your truck 4x4? Does it have a swith for 4x4? Have you engaged to 4x4 High? IF yes, you shouldn't drive it over 40 mph.