Does anyone know what could be causing the noise I got coming from the front end? 2002 durango 4x4 5.9L63,000 miles. On a recent road trip a noise started coming from the front end. Sounds like I got mud tires on and I don't. Check diff fluid level and OK and fluid looks fine. I checked front wheels for possible hub bearing failure but both sides are tight. Left and right axles have slight play in them when I hold wheels and twist shafts. CV boots are all intact and no cracks. Fuel mileage according to the computer is not affected, same as before.The only recent work done was a new serp. belt prior to the trip. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

Tom
Ohio

Hey! I forgot to mention it is only noticable above 30mph or so as of right now.

check the play on the input drive shaft, my girl friend had some noise up there (never told me and then see blew out the diff.)

I had the same noise in my 99 4x4. It would go away and come back. I took the wheel of and everythig seemed fine, one day the nois got really loud so i pulled over and had it towed to my house. pulled off the wheel and the passenger side wheel bearing no longer existed. It was demolished. If you think this may be a possibility i would go ahead and replace it before you have to buy new rotors like i did. BTW the bearing sound got worse when i was taking turns.

Well, I replaced the hub/wheel bearing assembly this weekend and that was definitely the problem. It threw me that there was no play in the wheel, but the bearing had failed. Thanks for everyone's suggestions and comments. This site is great.