Rumble and vibration coming from 07 GX - SOLVED.

[intoodeep1113]

Solved: opposite side wheel bearing than I expected was bad.

I have had my 2007 GX for 2-3 months now. it has about 104k on it. I have this low frequency rumble that starts at about 20mph and stays there no matter what speed. over 60-70 I dont hear it much because I think engine noise starts to become more audible. I can feel a vibration (not shaking) in the steering wheel and floorboards. Otherwise the GX is just super quiet inside, on my old car I probably would have never noticed this! I replaced the original tires that had some decent dry rot/cracking on the shoulders thinking this was the issue. I put on some michelin XLT (Costco version of Defenders), but the rumble persisted. When I turn right, the rumble entirely goes away, so I replaced the front right wheel bearing figuring that was the problem (pre-assembled kit with KOYO bearing) but the noise has remained.

I do have a leaking inner boot on the left side, not sure it would be related though. Any ideas on what to do, how to troubleshoot other than throwing parts at it?
Thanks!

 

[GXO]

Turning right can actually be the left bearing.

 

[intoodeep1113]

Hmm OK, maybe I will get a new seal and throw the Hub I removed over there and see if it fixes anything. (you guys probably think I'm nuts for not just buying another new bearing, but that's OK!)

 

[CarolinaGX]

Dan is correct, turning right loads the left front bearing.

I always replace bearings in pairs. But that is just me.

 

[intoodeep1113]

It makes sense that turning right loads the left bearing, but it seems odd that the loaded bearing gets quieter in this case.

 

[GXO]

Seen it quite a few times. Hence my comment

 

[intoodeep1113]

Solved: It was the left bearing! Thanks for the help @Vlad

@Gavin Dennis replacing both would have saved some frustration and time. I'm sure I will eventually need to replace the 2nd one.

 

[GXO]

Awesome!