30-40 mph vibration/rattle in front left area 2003 2500 HD

[toadgarten]

I am looking for ideas on a vibration/rattle that happens on my 2003 2500 Chevy HD (236,000 miles) at about 30-40 mph and higher but not as pronounced in the left front area near the wheel well/fire wall. The noise/feel happens on rough roads with an inside or outside corner including both up and down hills. The feel happens worse with a loaded (wood/camper) truck but also happens empty. Braking does not seem to have any affect on the issue. I have changed out all the steering joints, intermediate steering linkage, brake pedal bushing and brakes. I am looking to see if anyone has ideas on what to look for. I have not changed control arm bushings. Any thoughts? Thanks.

[DmaxMaverick]

Jack up that wheel, grasp the top, and slowly rock/tilt it in and out (not turning the wheel or steering). Any noticeable movement will be a failed wheel hub/bearing, or something's come loose. Also have someone else do that (and jack both front wheels), as well as rotating it on the steering, while inspecting under/inside with a flashlight. Anything not tight should show some movement.

If it's just a vibration and/or noise, with no loose steering or wandering, it's highly likely the hub/bearing.

[spongebob]

If memory serves me, when my wheel bearings went, I got a code..

[DmaxMaverick]

If memory serves me, when my wheel bearings went, I got a code..

It can, if it either damages the wheel sensor, or it wobbles enough to cause a dirty signal from the sensor. Mine have never set codes or the ABS lamp, but I've seen many that have. New hubs come with new sensors, so no biggie.

[a5150nut]

Just for grinnnnnnns, have you rotated the tires?

[toadgarten]

I have replaced the hub/wheel bearings on both fronts not that long ago. I do rotate tires every 5000 miles. I also replaced shocks within the last year. One thing is that the torsion bars/rods are rotated to have the highest tension/clearance (not sure this is the correct description). In this configuration, is it possible to put enough tension on the suspension system while lifted to see if anything needs replacing?

[tufcj]

Mine turned out to be a bad lower bushing in the shock absorber, combined with a slightly out of balance tire.

Bob
tufcj