Wheel Bearing? Hit curb now there's noise!

Post by **Skymongrel** » 24 Jan 2020, 19:01

2006 XC70 158k last week I slid on ice and slowly whacked a curb with the wheels turned such that the curb and wheel were parallel on contact.

I immediately noticed a low volume rhythmic hum coming from the front wheel area after I drove away. I have absolutely no vibrations coming from the wheel at all. And the only visible damage is some nasty road rash on the wheel.

I'm thinking it's the wheel bearing? Thoughts?
Thanks!

Post by **abscate** » 24 Jan 2020, 19:30

Wheel bearing or CV joint damage.

Wheel bearing will whir much more when the front end is steered away from the bad bearing. Try this at about 35 mph

Post by **- Pete -** » 24 Jan 2020, 22:15

If it's/they've never been replaced, I'd say it was just hanging on by a thread & the curb was the straw that broke the camels back. They tend to make noise at 150-160k mile intervals, in my experience.

Post by **abscate** » 25 Jan 2020, 06:35

- Pete - wrote: ↑24 Jan 2020, 22:15 If it's/they've never been replaced, I'd say it was just hanging on by a thread & the curb was the straw that broke the camels back. They tend to make noise at 150-160k mile intervals, in my experience.

Just in MN and NY

The make special bearings In IA that last forever.

Post by **- Pete -** » 25 Jan 2020, 08:23

Yeah, isn’t that the same state that never has bad ignition coils as well? I know I read something about potatoes making everything last longer.

Post by **oragex** » 25 Jan 2020, 14:20

Depending how bad it hit, the strut may also bent at the lower portion, so give it a look (I've seen this once). This would affect the wheel geometry and may cause the tire to get noisy

Just before removing the bearing (which is not fun), when you had stripped the axle, brakes bracket and rotor, turn the bearing by hand - if it's rough then can go removing the 4 bolts and getting the puller on (I recommend a solid 3 hooks puller)

Also, is the steering staying centered when going straight on the highway ? Otherwise may suspect wrong geometry

Post by **- Pete -** » 25 Jan 2020, 23:46

That's a really great point about the bend strut bottom & a total possibility.

If you have air tools, a puller isn't necessary. I usually just back the 4 bolts out all the way, then run 2 of the 4 back in 3-4 half-turns. Put a socket on those, then use an air hammer to smack the heads of the bolts (through the 1/2' square hole in the top of the socket). Pops the bearing assy out in seconds/just a few hits with the air hammer.

Post by **Skymongrel** » 03 Feb 2020, 15:18

Doh! Sorry guys didn't see these replies, must have been monitoring my other problem. It was a low impact hit at about 5mph, but the car did bounce off curb (on ice). Noise hasn't gotten any worse but I don't put lots of miles per day. Other than the noise car doesn't behave differently. BTW it's a rythmic hum, not overly load (yet).

I've tried the swerve test to see if noise changes. But haven't noticed a definitive difference. I will try again at 35 mph! Good advice.