Help with grinding/whirring sound!

[cmyhran]

My square (1986 k10 silverado) makes a grinding/whirring sound when the axel/wheels are rotating. It almost sounds like something isn't properly lubricated. The sound gets faster/louder the faster I drive. The sound slows down, gets quieter when I slow down, like at a stop light. The sound is directly related to how fast the wheels are spinning. And it seems to get worse when the truck is hot. I don't hear it if I haven't driven for a few days or first thing on a cool morning.
Any idea what this could be and how I might fix it? The sound happens whether I'm hitting the brakes or not! I'd add a video with the noise but the files too big....

 

[cmyhran]

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

Here's a link to a video with the sound! This is coming to a stop.
Any help greatly appreciated, I'm new here!

 

[Ricko1966]

First check would be wheel bearings,based on your description.

 

[idahovette]

@SquareRoot check post #1.........add it to your list

 

[SquareRoot]

My square (1986 k10 silverado) makes a grinding/whirring sound when the axel/wheels are rotating.

@SquareRoot check post #1.........add it to your list

Done sir. Thanks for the lead!

 

[Ricko1966]

Done sir. Thanks for the lead!

We are here to help,when we feel like it,and it's convenient.

 

[CalSgt]

First check would be wheel bearings,based on your description.

^^^^ This

Except a dragging brake pad or shoe would be my actual first check and bearings would be second. Only because brake issues can be seen without disassembly of the hubs.

 

[Grit dog]

Sound doesn’t change when brakes applied. IMO that mostly rules out brakes.
OP, gonna have to do like anyone else would. Take wheels off and start diagnosing.
If you’re stumped after actually inspecting the things that spin on the truck (wheels, driveshafts, engine accessories) then provide some more context/history for us innnerweb mechanics. lol

 

[scrap--metal]

I had a set of locking hubs go bad on me. That made a grinding/whirring sound directly proportional to wheel speed. Replaced them and the truck was happy again.

 

[tsgs84]

Drive the truck for awhile but only until you hear the noise for 5 minutes or so then slowly stop and feel your hubs, if a wheel bearing is going bad that hub will be hotter. Also remember that the front brakes do most of the stopping so judge accordingly.

 

[77firstsquarebody]

@cmyhran I am having this same issue. Can you point me to the location of your solution?

 

[3 Ton]

Jack each wheel up, hands at 12 and 6, and see if you can move the front wheel back and forth.
Whiles its up you can spin it and check for wheel drag. Dont think so or it would shutter when stopping.

 

[77firstsquarebody]

I have ruled out wheel bearing. I have checked everywhere I can see with my truck on a lift. The noise only happens in Drive and not reverse.

 

[saltdog]

A bad rear pinon bearing could have the same behavior

 

[77firstsquarebody]

Done sir. Thanks for the lead!

@SquareRoot, did you have this problem also? If so I am hoping you found the issue because I am stumped.