VS Wheel Bearings & Axle Bearings

[Harvs82]

Hi All,

I've got a groaning noise coming from what I think is the back left of the car and it is really starting to get to me. I have already replaced the front right wheel bearing twice and right rear axle bearing, previously which cost a fortune, and the noise is not dissimilar to when the right rear axle bearing was buggered. I don't think that the noise is coming from the front left bearing, but is there any way of easily checking if it is buggered? Same goes for the left rear axle bearing, is there any way of easily checking if its stuffed? When I had the right rear bearing done it had to be broken off, ball bearings went everywhere, thats how stuffed it was.

Car has independant rear end, and ABS. Any input would be appreciated.

[hako]

Thats strange having such bad luck with wheel bearings!. According to the book the front ones are to be replaced when there is a certain amount of play present (0.213mm). I'd imagine the rear ones, being attached to an axle, cannot be checked this way, so it gets back to noise, rough feel when turning wheel by hand or heat from the bearings. Maybe you could also use a stethoscope or length of hose and put it on the bearing housing whilst you turn the wheel. You're sure its not the linings on the drum handbrake worn or a pebble in there? Good Luck Harvs

[Harvs82]

Thats strange having such bad luck with wheel bearings!. According to the book the front ones are to be replaced when there is a certain amount of play present (0.213mm). I'd imagine the rear ones, being attached to an axle, cannot be checked this way, so it gets back to noise, rough feel when turning wheel by hand or heat from the bearings. Maybe you could also use a stethoscope or length of hose and put it on the bearing housing whilst you turn the wheel. You're sure its not the linings on the drum handbrake worn or a pebble in there? Good Luck Harvs

Thanks Hako, is there any way of easily checking the drum handbrake? It does sound like its rubbing, the familiar 'sch sch sch sch' sound that 90% of commodores and falcons make, I hear that noise at low speed in the car park at work, but its a completely different sound to the groaning noise I hear normally. Right front bearing went at 125,000km, then again around 150,000. Right rear axle bearing lasted about 155,000km.... I thought they were meant to last a lot longer than that! $400 a pop for the front units is a killer!

[hako]

Apart from removing the disc and caliper which is an hours work, you could jack up the rear wheel, put the car in neutral and rotate the wheel by hand - if you hear the noise put the handbrake on one notch at a time and see if the sound changes...if it changes note then maybe its the linings rubbing. Also, when you rotate the wheel by hand you should feel some roughness if the bearing is shot.

Just for interest - what signs did you have that the front hubs were gone?

[Harvs82]

Apart from removing the disc and caliper which is an hours work, you could jack up the rear wheel, put the car in neutral and rotate the wheel by hand - if you hear the noise put the handbrake on one notch at a time and see if the sound changes...if it changes note then maybe its the linings rubbing. Also, when you rotate the wheel by hand you should feel some roughness if the bearing is shot.

Just for interest - what signs did you have that the front hubs were gone?

In regards to the front hubs, was almost the same sound, but when you would steer to the right, ie turning right around a roundabout, the noise would disappear, turning left would increase the sound, as more pressure was being placed on the wheel. I had the mechanic pull the complete assembly apart, and a number of the bearings were pitted, and the bit they sit in was scored quite badly. As to why the second one went so quickly, I have no idea.

[hako]

I have that sound now out of my front hubs (at 170,000km) and in my case it is coming from the brake disc rubbing against the pads on slow tight corners - like in carparpks going uphill on full lock. I don't want to pay $400 each side !!!!
so I'm hoping its still in tolerance. Reason I figure it is the pads rubbing is that it first became evident after I put new green pads on.

[Harvs82]

I have that sound now out of my front hubs (at 170,000km) and in my case it is coming from the brake disc rubbing against the pads on slow tight corners - like in carparpks going uphill on full lock. I don't want to pay $400 each side !!!!
so I'm hoping its still in tolerance. Reason I figure it is the pads rubbing is that it first became evident after I put new green pads on.

Yeah, the noise I was experiencing was happening all the time. It's a shame that they are a sealed bearing unit... so its a case of no repairs, just bin it and install the new one... with a big hole burnt into your wallet!

[POVRTY]

its only $400 a unit if u have abs. its alot less if u dont

[Harvs82]

its only $400 a unit if u have abs. its alot less if u dont

Yes, that is correct. Shame that the ABS bit can't be simply bolted on to the other unit...

[POVRTY]

sucks huh?

[hako]

I think it actually can be swapped....someone previously on thuis forum pulled one apart and found that the ABS bit came off easily and the rest of the hub was identical to a non ABS hub but to remove the bearing required a heavy press. I've heard rumours that the bearing alone can be replaced but haven't been able to talk to the horses mouth.
I think when mine go I'll check the wreckers first and weigh up whats the best way to go.

[Harvs82]

I think it actually can be swapped....someone previously on thuis forum pulled one apart and found that the ABS bit came off easily and the rest of the hub was identical to a non ABS hub but to remove the bearing required a heavy press. I've heard rumours that the bearing alone can be replaced but haven't been able to talk to the horses mouth.
I think when mine go I'll check the wreckers first and weigh up whats the best way to go.

Good idea, might also go down that route if my front left hub packs up. Only thing with the wreckers is that you don't know how soon that one could pack up as well..... Still if its a lot less than $400, then it would be worth a shot.

[POVRTY]

if its new u know its good 4 another 150 000 kms. u will only have to do it 1nce then

[304cci]

There is an easy way of telling what wheels bearing is noisey,
Drive at a safe speed where the wheel bearing is noisey, veer to the left and right, if you turn to the right and the noise dissapears then the right wheel bearing is worn, if you turn to the left and the noise dissapears then the left wheel bearing is worn. This is the same for front and rear wheel bearings, as for telling if it is the front or rear after you have found which side is worn is as simple as lstening if it sounds from the front susp. or rear suspensin, also if it is from the front you should be able to feel the groaning through the steering wheel.

[Harvs82]

There is an easy way of telling what wheels bearing is noisey,
Drive at a safe speed where the wheel bearing is noisey, veer to the left and right, if you turn to the right and the noise dissapears then the right wheel bearing is worn, if you turn to the left and the noise dissapears then the left wheel bearing is worn. This is the same for front and rear wheel bearings, as for telling if it is the front or rear after you have found which side is worn is as simple as lstening if it sounds from the front susp. or rear suspensin, also if it is from the front you should be able to feel the groaning through the steering wheel.

Yeah thats how I found out the front one was buggered, except that I thought it was the opposite side. I'm pretty sure that its the back left axle bearing that is shot this time around, as the noise is fairly constant, and doesn't seem to change when I steer left or right. If I jack the back end of the car up and manually rotate the wheel whilst listening with a stethoscope or similar touching the bearing housing that might give a better indication...

Quite frustrating to say the least!