white89gt

This is a video I took of my Brother's old Escape. This was the wheel bearing. It had gotten to the point that the sound was increasing with speed. His also STOPPED making noise when you would turn. Not every bearing acts the same when they croak.... kind of like Ohio eluded to.

slobdogg

Becoming more acquainted with the truck. I've foudn that the "rubbing" or "stuttering" is present without acceleration. With the wheel turned >30 degrees either way while simply rolling from a stop I feel this stutter every second or so. Still think it's the wheel hub? I would hate to spend $400+ on parts if that wouldn't fix it (but then I'd be even more clueless as to what the problem could be).
Could it be a u-joint? Something in the steering column?

white89gt

By your description, yes.

The u-joints are in a fixed position, and would not be changing noises by turning your front tires.

You serious?

I think at this point, you better go have a mechanic look at it. By your description, we've all told you what we think.

Stu Cazzo

If its making the noise in 2wd as opposed to 4wd then it probably isn't the half shaft.
I don't know about the hub being shot, but I could be wrong.
I would first yank the hub and check the wheel bearing.

Its a 16 year old truck you've owned for a month. Who knows whats been done to it.
It could be a loose hub assembly fitting onto the axle...pull it apart and have a look. Thats how you diagnose things.