Bad Bearing?

[DJ_B_Easy]

Hey all,

A few weeks back I started noticing some noises in and around my car that the mechanic across the street thinks may be a bad wheel bearing. Hoping to get some input from you all as I have never experienced this before.

Symptom# 1) In cabin noise. Sounds like grinding, but not violent. Not even really a grind as so much a moaning sound of friction? Best way I can explain it is NOM NOM NOM NOM but with "W" so, WOM WOM WOM WOM (seriously). Seems to increase with speed as the car does. My first impression was that this was coming from the rear passenger side.

Symptom# 2) Outside noise. Clicking, metal on metal, finger nail tapping type noise. This seems to be in the front driver side (odd, because I thought the WOM WOM was in the rear passenger, however that could have just been my perception...or vice versa for that matter). Completely random, does not necessarily speed up as the car does, definitely not in the suspension.

Thoughts? How do I go about knowing for sure before I get bung pumped at the shop?

[sbird1]

Check the CV axle. If the boot isn't visibly torn or anything, my guess would be bearing, but something tells me your boot is going to be torn up.

[PoorManQ45]

Check the CV axle. If the boot isn't visibly torn or anything, my guess would be bearing, but something tells me your boot is going to be torn up.

Exactly what I was thinking.

The clicking isn't usually a bearing.

[DJ_B_Easy]

Ouch, my wallet sure as help hopes not. Ill check it out.

Thanks for the input.

[Jesda]

My Saab was doing the same thing. The CV axles have been clicking since day one but the wobwobwob is new, and it turned out to be wheel bearings. There's now another noise that the shop is trying to diagnose.

I hate vague things.

[DJ_B_Easy]

Bahhh a combination of both? That would be just my luck. As much as I love this forum and the wealth of knowledge and experience, sometimes I just wish I never asked.

[sbird1]

Step 1: Check CV joint boots for leaks/rips/tears.

Step 2: Get new CV ordered if necessary. While you're taking the knuckle/hub assembly, you will be able give that bearing a good look.

Step 3 or so: Check subframe and control arms all around.

Shouldn't be too bad once you get into it.

[alms24sebring]

Another easy way is to just lift the car and turn the wheel (in neutral) and listen for any noise. Should be fairly obvious. It will also pinpoint a location.

axles are cheap. wheel bearing I am going to assume around the same price for the car, <$100 for the DIY work.

[sbird1]

Werd. In either case, it won't be hard to handle.

[DJ_B_Easy]

Another easy way is to just lift the car and turn the wheel (in neutral) and listen for any noise.

This was going to be my first step. Tough for me to do though because I live in a condo complex, has to be during the day when everyone is at work and the lot is empty/I dont have to worry about getting run over with my a** out in the road.

That should pinpoint my CV joint issue along with the boot inspection, what should I look for as far as the bearing? Same WOM WOM noise that Im hearing inside the cabin? Any visual cues?

[sbird1]

When you look at the wheel bearing, it should be pretty obvious if it needs to be replaced or not. Just try and rotate it by hand to see how much play and stickiness there is to it.

If you don't know what to look for, it should look like one of these.



Should be easy to determine if it needs to be replaced.

[PoorManQ45]

To help offset cost, there is a coupon at Advanced Auto for $50 off $150. it's A123

[DJ_B_Easy]

Got it, hopefully I will get a chance to inspect this weekend.

Thanks to all for the help.

[sbird1]

Hey, DJBeasy, do you live near Randolph, NJ? Know where it is? I used to live there about 15 years ago...

[DJ_B_Easy]

Hey, DJBeasy, do you live near Randolph, NJ? Know where it is? I used to live there about 15 years ago...

I do. I grew up in Denville and now live in Rockaway Boro. Actually went to good old County College in Randolph.