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i have a 2000 chevy blazer four door v6 engine auto trans. i have a loud noise when driving down the highway. sounda like knobby tires but i do not have knobby tires. does this vehicle have front wheel bearings or hub assemblies? how do you determine which and how do you determine if the bearings are bad? if hubs, how do you change them?

Hvgroat, It may be the

Submitted by drivability on Fri, 09/30/2011 - 11:47.

Hvgroat,

It may be the bearings but don't rule out the tires just yet. Check the tires for abnormal tread wear patterns. Check tires for cupping, feathering, etc.

To check the front hub assemblies you can safely raise and support the vehicle. Grab the tire with your hands at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock. Push in at 12 while pulling up at 6. Rotate back and forth checking for free play. If you have free play confirm that it is coming from the bearing and not a suspension component such as a ball joint. You can also rotate the wheel and listen to the bearing with a mechanics stethoscope or even long dowel or screwdriver up against your ear.

This link might help if you choose to replace them. Register at autozone.com.

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/repairinfo/repairguide/repairGuideContent.jsp?pageId=0996b43f80cb385a

Also, these video links might help. They are for the S10/S15 pickups but you will see that it is pretty much the same as yours.

Part 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuqxh1tyeFU

Part 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAKyjBzzZlM

Let us know if you have any other questions. We'll be glad to help. Thanks.

Hvgroat, The link at the end

Submitted by Big Block 409 on Fri, 09/30/2011 - 11:54.

Hvgroat,

The link at the end of this posting will help with the replacement of the bearings if necessary. You sound like you are new at this, so either get the help of a pro or let us know how else we can help you. In addition to what's already been posted take a moment to answer the questions below BEFORE you replace the bearings.

Does the noise disappear or lessen around turns?
Are all the tires the same size?
Is the tire size an OE size or custom size?
Has the truck been lowered or raised?
Are all the tire thread patterns the same?
Does the steering wheel shimmy or shake?

There are more questions that must be asked and answered BEFORE the wheel bearings are replaced, but for now answer theses questions before we ask you more. Understand that we must ask questions and you must answer them, because this is an online auto repair forum and we don't have your truck in front of us. Also understand if we don't ask questions and if you don't answer them, then we can't provide you with accurate repair information.

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/repairinfo/repairguide/repairGuideContent.jsp?pageId=0996b43f80cb385a