4x4 front axle question

[Fitz98]

I am trying to troubleshoot a grinding noise from the front end of my 98 Expedition 4x4. I think I have it narrowed down to either front wheel bearing, front half axle cv joints, or differential carrier bearing.
The sound is only heard when vehicle is in motion.
Can the vehicle be driven without the front drive axles to test if it's the axle?
I am not sure if they are just to drive the front wheels in 4x4 or if they are a componentto hold the hub assembly in place

 

[LargeCarManX2]

Start by lifting each wheel off the ground and see if a bearing is on it's way out. Wiggle it top to bottom to see if play is present and turn to see if a bearing is freezing up.

 

[Fitz98]

I have done that.
No obvious play and no obvious noises. It only presents when in motion mostly during stopping.
With that being said, if I spin the tire when elevated, it does not spin really easily. I took off the caliper to take away any brake friction. It's not like a free wheel where you spin it and it keeps going. It only spins when you have your hands moving it. I assumed that was resistance from the front differential.

 

[mechtech2]

Brakes will grind if faulty.
A drivetrain component that is actually grinding will be so far gone it will be easy to detect.

 

[LargeCarManX2]

Suck out the gear lube and look at the metal content, this way it might eliminate the front end gear or bearings. A CV joint would be a blessing compaired to a carrier bearing or worst.

 

[Fitz98]

Back again after a long trip to NY. I have replaced front wheel bearing - drivers side. Also found rubber boot clamp cover from passenger side axle wedged in the hole of the steering nuckle. After putting that back where itbelongs, the grinding noise went away for a long time, but came back again...happens when things get heated up and at low speeds, usually when braking and the forward deceleration puts torque to the front end. I noticed na excessive amount of brake dust on my drivers side wheel after my trip to NY and the rotor warped. Have ceramic pads on it. Changed drivers side caliper and hose, since thatwas an obvious problem, but grinding noise still is there...intermittent when things get warmed up on decelleration and every 1/2 rotation of tire. Took out drivers side 1/2 axel, and inspected and it seems fine, no obvious clunking or loosesness and feels well lubricated, and boots are flawless. Seems like all that is left is front diff carrier bearings and replace 1/2 axle, even though it seems fine, maybe it is only a problem when it heats up?