Sound from Front End

osmium · Post by **osmium** » 06 Feb 2010, 07:44

I've noticed that whenever I turn, I hear a rhythmic sound coming from the front end. More noticeable at higher speed. Can hear it a little going straight on the highway too.

I don't feel any vibration through the steering wheel.

Is this caused by the CV joints?

-os

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 06 Feb 2010, 09:25

The CV joints tend to clack more at low speed on a tight turn, what you describe sounds more to me like a hub bearing that is beginning to fail. Do you notice it more when turning one direction than the other direction?

...Lee

osmium · Post by **osmium** » 06 Feb 2010, 10:14

Ozark Lee wrote:The CV joints tend to clack more at low speed on a tight turn, what you describe sounds more to me like a hub bearing that is beginning to fail. Do you notice it more when turning one direction than the other direction?

...Lee

I'll have to check that.

It does seem to be coming from the passenger side though.

-os

osmium · Post by **osmium** » 06 Feb 2010, 16:28

Ozark Lee wrote:The CV joints tend to clack more at low speed on a tight turn, what you describe sounds more to me like a hub bearing that is beginning to fail. Do you notice it more when turning one direction than the other direction?

...Lee

Definitely more when turning to the left.

-os

osmium · Post by **osmium** » 07 Feb 2010, 07:12

osmium wrote:
Ozark Lee wrote:The CV joints tend to clack more at low speed on a tight turn, what you describe sounds more to me like a hub bearing that is beginning to fail. Do you notice it more when turning one direction than the other direction?

...Lee

Definitely more when turning to the left.

-os

If it is the bearing, do both sides have to be replaced?

Are Timken bearings good?

-os

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 07 Feb 2010, 09:28

Normally when wheel bearings fail the bad bearing is the bearing opposite the direction you are turning. In your case if the noise if more pronounced while turning left it is the right hand bearing at fault.

I think FAG are the OEM hub suppliers but I have no experience with the Timken brand, they may be fine or they may be junk. I bought some cheap Chinese hubs off of eBay for a Jeep that we had and they lasted all of 6 months.

...Lee

osmium · Post by **osmium** » 07 Feb 2010, 17:03

Ozark Lee wrote:Normally when wheel bearings fail the bad bearing is the bearing opposite the direction you are turning. In your case if the noise if more pronounced while turning left it is the right hand bearing at fault.

I think FAG are the OEM hub suppliers but I have no experience with the Timken brand, they may be fine or they may be junk. I bought some cheap Chinese hubs off of eBay for a Jeep that we had and they lasted all of 6 months.

...Lee

Ok, thanks.

I'm going to have a crack at replacing it.

Two questions:

Do I have to replace both sides or just the side that's bad?

Will I need to get an alignment when done replacing the hub?

-os

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 07 Feb 2010, 20:52

When I have dealt with hubs I have done them in pairs but it may not be necessary. In my case I did not need to get the car aligned again but let your steering wheel be your guide. If the center position changes on the steering wheel then get it aligned.

...Lee

osmium · Post by **osmium** » 09 Feb 2010, 19:37

Ozark Lee wrote:Normally when wheel bearings fail the bad bearing is the bearing opposite the direction you are turning. In your case if the noise if more pronounced while turning left it is the right hand bearing at fault.

I think FAG are the OEM hub suppliers but I have no experience with the Timken brand, they may be fine or they may be junk. I bought some cheap Chinese hubs off of eBay for a Jeep that we had and they lasted all of 6 months.

...Lee

The sound is now occurring whichever direction I turn. It's still coming from the passenger side but I can feel it more. The car is now on the IR.
With the change in the sound, is the wheel bearing still the suspect?

I took the tire off and looked around. There doesn't seem to be anything obviously wrong. The CV boots are ok. Nothing else was lossed/broken. Put the tires back on and did the 12-6 and 9-3 test. No movement. Spun the wheel but no sound.

Also noticed the axle nut is pretty rusted (lotta salt on the roads here in NH). Put some penetrating oil on it. But that bolt worries me.

-os

Post by **cattledog** » 09 Feb 2010, 19:42

Sounds like a snow tire?
Louder when the weight of the car is rolled to that side while turning?
That's a wheel bearing.