i have an 2001 ford ranger and it sounds like a bunch of rocks or marbles sound coming from my rear wheels. does that mean i need new bearings?
If the noise increases with speed yes, check your rear differential to see if its low on fluid and get the bearings changed out. Bearing seals also may be leaking diff oil over your rear brakes.
sure sounds like bearings
Jack up the truck at the rear. Grab the wheels and push and pull and rotate them and if they can be pushed in or pulled out and make noise when you turn them, it is probably the bearing. Or you can get a bunch of people to guess what it is.
Feel your wheels after driving. If it is too hot to touch, it probably is the bearings. You should also inspect the brakes on that wheel though, to make sure that's not actually the cause of friction... although it could be both (or just the bearings). I would advise driving as little as possible, if at all, until the bearings are fixed, if that is determined to be the problem. It is also advised to replace the bearings of the other wheel on that axle whenever you change one.
