trying to track down a front end noise (2000)

I have a noise up front, it sounds like a dragging, kind of like the unit bearing hub is actually a can full of pea gravel.
I figured it was a hub so I ordered one and pulled the hubs and axles this AM and they're smooth as can be, still tight and feel just like the new one I have. The axle u-joints move freely with no grit or grind, and everything felt OK to me. So now I don't know where to go next, could it be the front DS U-joint? Something in the front diff? I'm at a loss. The brakes didn't drag anymore than I thought was normal

Check the driveshaft cv joint.Spray the centering ball with some lube and try it.

could be the pinion bearing too

igotanxj said:

could be the pinion bearing too

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Could, since that's right under your feet and the sound sounds like it's coming from the front left. A pain to check though

How does one check the pinion bearing?

Can you check the carrier bearing?

How many miles? I got over 170k on my '92, and did 'em just because. And my '96, just three weeks ago, 133k, started the grind. My son picked up a pair for me at the local NAPA, and they were $100 for BOTH! Of course they're imported from some God forsaken corner of the third world, but so far, so good.