Wheel Bearing redux

Jack Idler · 2004-04-14T16:20:08+00:00

Bill Putney's and Neil Nelson's recent posts regarding diagnosis of noisywheel bearings came just days too late.I had already had the left front wheel bearing replaced on my Gen. 1 minivanon the basis of my own diagnosis and confirmation by my mechanic. This wasbefore the recent group discussion on the subject.After all, the howl got worse in a right turn, so the bad bearing had to beon the left....everybody knows that, right? :-)After a post repair test drive, the noise was still there and, in fact, theremoved bearing had looked quite good.The mechanic and I agreed that the next time by, we would get the van up onthe hoist, drive the front wheels, and get on the knuckles with astethoscope.We did this yesterday. Pretty obvious. The new bearing on the left wasquiet. The old bearing on the right was very growly..He replaced the right side bearing......noise gone. The old bearing lookedpretty ratty in the races.

Wheel Bearing redux

Apr 14, 2004 23 Replies

Rate this thread:

nospam.clare.nce 22 years ago

Especially through a garden hose.

Vote

mic canic 22 years ago

Vote

Jack Idler 22 years ago

Wasn't until you mentioned the long screwdriver trick that I remembered having seen it done. Does the fact that I'd forgotten all about it mean I'm an older fart than you are?

Vote

Steve m... 22 years ago

I must be an 'ole fart too then. The screwdriver method has found all kinds of noises (and fixes) for me. Works good. You can also put it on injectors and listen to them too. It's pretty cool for an old method.

Steve m...

Vote

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required