1999 New model Z71

[JKEEN33]

Developed a vibration at 65 to 70 the other day. It has had a light grinding sound when turning left for a while. Everything has been rebuilt except bearings at 305000 . Took it  in today to see about the vibration. I thought u joints again. Mechanic says they are fine so I had the tires balanced again and the front end checked. All good according to the mech.

I've asked about wheel bearings before on here. Looks to be fairly simple and other than no time, I'm pretty mechanical. Going to change them myself. Any recommendations on which bearing unit to buy? I hate doing the same job again in 20,000 miles due to cheap parts.

[UBA]

I have an 05 and went with the Timken. Changed it in a Home Depot parking lot while in Az. Wasn't to hard, I just had a basic tool set. Hadn't had any problems so far

[HntnFsh]

Get Timkens off Amazon. There are a lot of cheaper hub assy. out there. And that's what you will get. I refuse to run them on my Chevys. For the Timkens if you buy them at a parts store you will pay close to a $100 more each.

My 98 was a pain to do. Had to knock out the studs because they held the rotor to the hub. My 06 was simple. Studs weren't pressed through the rotor. I think 99 and up are like that.

[coachcw]

Stop the bus .... lets figure out what the vibration is before you start throwing parts at it . A front wheel bearing typically will give you noise and change pitch left to right . can you feel it in the steering wheel , does it feel like road speed or faster , faster leans towards pinion or drive shaft. look at the top rear corner of the transfer case for a leak (the pump plate brakes and wears a hole in the case) If you don't feel it in the steering wheel id probably slip the rear shaft out and drive it to see if the vibration goes away . If your in seattle area I'd be happy to take it for a spin . as far as wheel bearings we have had good luck with the moogs for middle of the road cost.

[jackelope]

It seems that a technician would have been able to identify bag wheel bearings, especially in a Chevy truck. My experience with lots of wheel bearings in my Chevy was that they were most noticeable at lower speeds. When you make a turn or a corner, the noise would change. This doesn't sound like a bad wheel bearing to me. Just my .02. If you're anywhere near coach, take him up on his offer. No need to waste time and money throwing parts at something.

[PlateauNDN]

  I'd take coach's advice. I had a temporary memory lapse about a friend named coach being the greatest and most knowledgeable mechanic around.

I used my knowledge from working on my own older trucks and cars and the money at my truck before consulting the expert brother no-hair and put a new alternator and starter on my truck unnecessarily when I could've just got it diagnosed and identify the real problem. At least i dont have to worry about the alternator and starter now.

I tried to convince him to drive down here to my place for fire sticks as payment but he didn't go for it.

[JKEEN33]

Well I already ordered the bearings, so going to put them in this weekend. I was feeling some feedback in the steering when turning. With 305000 on the bearings, I feel I got about all I expected out of them. i too doubt the high speed is the bearings. Dad took it to Schwab who I have never had good luck with and then the local Chevy dealer that again I have never had good luck with. Im in Enumclaw and will leave it at that.

I figured ujoints as that what it feels like. I'm due for these again as I only get about 70 between changing. Had the wheels balanced when I got home. After I change the bearings I would deffinately like to schedule a check on it to see what you think. I prefer to fix rather than replace. I will get in touch or update after this weekend. Thanks for the help. I did go with the Temkin.