Chrysler Repair: 97 Chrysler Town & Country road/tire noise, wheel bearings, easter egging

Question
This seems to be a unique problem that I have seen nothing about. I have a 97 Chrysler T&C that has, for the last few years, had a growing road noise problem. It is now so bad that it is difficult to even hear the radio. Changing the tires changed the noise slightly but did not quiet the noise problem to any significant extent. The noise seems to come the loudest from the passenger side front and is at its worst when turning (particularly left). There seems to be no unusual noise outside the car (ie. driving along beside it and listening). I can find no problems or changes in the body/firewall insulation. I am suspecting that there may be a problem with some bushing in the front suspension (like the strut bushings) but the alignment is fine and there is no vibration or "pulling" in the steering and no unusual tire wear. Any idea what could cause this before I go easter egging? Thanks in advance.

Answer
Hi Al,
Two items come to mind: wheel bearing, cv-joint
It is more difficult to diagnose the wheel bearing when it is driven by an axle because of the rest of the mechanical train attached to it, but a roaring sound that is proportional to road speed and also sensitive to directional change is typical of a wheel bearing that is rough or dried out of grease. You might be able to feel the difference between the left and right side wheel bearings if you lift each side and turn the wheel while the trans is in neutral.
The cv joint too can make noise when it runs dry on grease. That usually is a clicking sound at low speeds. Most people think that the boot has to tear for this to occur, but the grease can spin out from the clamped ends of the boot slowly over time and not be noticed. If it is not clicking, particularly when turning slowly, then I would believe the wheel beaing on the passenger side is your problem.
Fortunately the hub and bearing assembly can be changed without disconnecting the steering knuckle (unless the assembly sticks in knuckle and then will have to be removed and pressed out at a machine shop) or disturbing the drive shaft (other than pulling the hub off the end of it) from the suspension as it is bolted in place. The hub and bearing are therefore a separate complete assembly purchased as a unit which makes the cost greater but the installation easier. You should be able to feel the roughness in the bearing once you have removed the hub and bearing assembly and that might be wise to do before you buy a new one so you don't invest unnecessarily in a replacement.
The procedure is described in the Haynes manual for Chrysler vans (30011)for '96-99.
Please let me know if this diagnosis turns out to be correct.
Roland