Auto Question - Wheel Squeaking

[Threshkin]

My 2000 Dodge Caravan has a squeak that I suspect is coming from the left front wheel.

It is only audible with the window open and at lower speeds (<30mph).  Stepping on the brakes does not change the squeak so I do not think it is brake related. 

It also does not seem to be suspension related. speed bumps do not change it.

There is a very slight steering wheel wobble at low speeds as well. (U-joints?)  Not sure if these issues are related.

Any suggestions on the cause/difficulty of fixing myself?

I am wondering if the wheel bearings need to be repacked.

The van currently gets very little use, <1,000 miles per year but we would like to turn it into a camper and use it for post-fire travel throughout North and Central America.

[Brokenreign]

I agree with your diagnosis of hub bearings. A u joint tends to make more of an occasional clunk than a wobble. The squeal is almost certainly a bearing. Jack up the wheel and test for play. You can watch for movement in the ujoint to rule it out.

You can get a hub assembly cheaply from Rock auto and I think the only special tool is a giant socket to remove the hub nut. Check out Eric the car guy on YouTube. Good luck!

[Syonyk]

Definitely check your bearings, but while you're in there, look at the brakes.  You could be down to the squeeler tab on the pads (if it has one) and that could be rubbing with the brakes not applied if the pads are thin enough.

You don't have U-joints, though.  You have CV joints.  One of them could also be making racket.

Basically, get the front end supported well (jack stands), put the transmission in neutral, and start playing around until you find something rubbing, clicking, grinding, squeaking, or otherwise not rotating smoothly and freely.

[Threshkin]

Thanks to both of you.  I will put the van up on jack stands and start investigating.

[Papa Mustache]

Hubcap creaking/squeaking?

[JLee]

Wheel bearings make more of a rumbly/grinding/humming sound, not a squeak.  Did you find anything?

[Threshkin]

Wheel bearings make more of a rumbly/grinding/humming sound, not a squeak.  Did you find anything?

I have not checked it yet.  It has been wicked hot (95-100) degrees or raining so I just let it sit.  The van gets very little use so it is not a rush project.

[ShoulderThingThatGoesUp]

How about a flapping noise coming from one wheel (maybe two but it's definitely only the right side of the car)? It's not very loud, and its frequency varies with speed but there's no speed too slow to activate it.