noise from front while driving?

[SPR]

Lately I think that my wheel bearings are bad in the front as I have a whine that occurs while driving. I take it out of gear and still noise, It occurs without breaking. I did run those 25mm spacers for a 100 miles with the re's to make them fit, and afterward the noise started. If that is the problem how difficult would it be to replace them? Can I do it without throwing off the alignment i.e. without too much dissasembly? Thanks Sean

[Loren]

C2?

Well, the suggested way is to remove the wheel carrier and press the bearing out using a hydraulic press. Some (automotive) machine shops will let you bring in the part and they will press it out for you fairly inexpensively. Installation also requires that you heat the new bearing to 100 degrees C (or about 210 F in your oven). If you are careful and mark all of the positions before undoing the bolts you might get away without an alignment. Might be good to have it checked afterwards anyway.

Edited March 2, 2005 by Loren

[bet]

If the wheel bearing checks out fine, then the whine could be from the tires as they wear. Certain tires produce much more noise than other. Just a thought.

[SPR]

Thanks I was told the same thing. I have bfg kd's and have heard this-

[1999Porsche911]

Lower the tire pressure to about 28 and see if the whine changes. Might help you with piece of mind knowing it IS the tires. Whine would also be different on wet pavement.

[Danyol]

Had both front bearing start to whine at 19k miles, dealer replaced both. It apparently wasn't an unusual thing (!) for premature bearing failure. :o

[SPR]

I have messed with the tire pressures to get my preferances right a bunch and it doesn't change. I am almost positive that it is the wheel bearings- :(

[Scouser]

Is it a C2 or C4?

If a C4, could be a drive shaft. If it's a wheel bearing you should be able to jack up the car, and freewheel the wheel and hear the bearing...especially if it's whining.

[SPR]

c2.

[ar38070]

C2? 

Well, the suggested way is to remove the wheel hub and press the bearing out using a hydraulic press. Some (automotive) machine shops will let you bring in the part and they will press it out for you fairly inexpensively. Installation also requires that you heat the new bearing to 100 degrees C (or about 210 F in your oven). If you are careful and mark all of the positions before undoing the bolts you might get away without an alignment. Might be good to have it checked afterwards anyway.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Loren,

I think you meant heating the wheel carrier. Usually you freeze the bearing.

If you can get the bearing out/in without removing the wheel carrier then no alignment should be necessary. Most shops charge 3-4 hours for a bearing R&R.

[Loren]

C2? 

Well, the suggested way is to remove the wheel hub and press the bearing out using a hydraulic press. Some (automotive) machine shops will let you bring in the part and they will press it out for you fairly inexpensively. Installation also requires that you heat the new bearing to 100 degrees C (or about 210 F in your oven). If you are careful and mark all of the positions before undoing the bolts you might get away without an alignment. Might be good to have it checked afterwards anyway.

Loren,

I think you meant heating the wheel carrier. Usually you freeze the bearing.

If you can get the bearing out/in without removing the wheel carrier then no alignment should be necessary. Most shops charge 3-4 hours for a bearing R&R.

Correct. At least he knew what I meant... I'll fix the typo.