

| Subject: | front wheel noise |
| From: | Edward Maglott |
| Date: | Sat, 9 Jul 2011 10:15:37 -0400 |
I have a noise that sounds like it's in my right front wheel. Definitely sounds like its in one of the front wheels. It's speed dependent, rrrraaoo, rrrraaoo, rrrraaoo, and I would say it's a wheel bearing based on what I've heard and diagnosed over the years. So here's what I've done: I replaced my warped front rotors (with OEM) and put in new pads (from the FLAPS.) I moved my cleaned and re-greased wheel bearings to the new rotors. Lithium based wheel bearing grease. I found the outer bearing seat was worn out on the right spindle. there was play between the bearing and the spindle and evidence of wear on the spindle that the bearing had been turning on the spindle. Even when properly adjusted, there was play between the outer bearing and it's seat on the spindle. (not sure if seat is the correct word there.) So obviously there was still terrible noise and play there. I drove about 10 miles total on that situation. With some difficulty, I got a replacement spindle (thanks Jim Felder!) and new ball joints. There was a very small amount of wear on the inside of the outer wheel bearing where it mates with the seat. I compared with a new set of wheel bearings, and there was a tiny amount of additional play with the old set, so I put in the new set. I don't have a press so I have carefully drifted the bearings in and out of the rotors each time. The sound does not seem to be affected by brake application or coasting in neutral. It seems to increase on turning to the left which loads the right side. It sounds to me and my GF like its coming from the right side but I'm not totally sure. I did notice that the guide pins on the caliper on that right side seem worn. Probably from the warped rotor period. The only other thing I can think of to replace is the left wheel bearing. Thanks for any ideas! Edward
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