Rear wheel bearing, options? Oklahoma Help?

[ThinWhiteDuke]

Alright, so, I'm pretty sure I've got a rear wheel bearing that's going / gone.

It's been this way since I got the car, but I'm just becoming knowledgeable enough to start pinpointing my issues.

When I'm in 1st or 2nd, going slow, maybe up to 15mph, and I turn left I get a grinding noise, sounds like it's coming from the rear passenger side. Does not happen when turning right slowly.

I've ordered a FAG bearing from autohausAZ for like $38. I called the 2 indie shops here in Tulsa. I wouldn't mind doing the work, just did my upper and lower arms by myself, but if I have to buy the $250 tool to do it, might as well price having them do it.

One shop said they would do it with my supplied bearing for $294 :shifty

Other shop said they would NOT do it with my bearing b/c they can't guarantee it. Quoted $275 for the bearing and labor ($180 labor...$95 bearing) :shifty

I suppose $275 isn't bad. Basically "buying" the tool and having someone else do the job.

SO, 2 questions:

1. Can I not just buy the rear passenger hub, bearing and all, and replace it? Wouldn't that be easier?

2. If not, is there someone near Tulsa with the Sir Tools that wants to help do rear bearing before Nov 19th? (going on a road trip)

Thanks guys!

[Derek A.]

I would disconnect the axle shaft, take the brake rotor off and spin the bearing. Make sure that is the problem before you yank it out.

[ThinWhiteDuke]

I agree, and of course plan on making sure this is the issue, but, what else could be causing a grinding noise from the rear passenger side when turning left? It's not the rotor, I just did pads recently and I have no braking noise or issues.

The lugs aren't loose, the shield isn't rubbing anything, nothing is rubbing the inside of the wheel well, etc.

There just isn't that many options for a grinding noise when turning at a slow speed.

Am I wrong?

[ThinWhiteDuke]

So, I got the car on a lift and tried to shake/wobble both back wheels. No play. When i spin both back wheels I don't get any odd noise.

What could be causing a grinding noise turning left at slow speed? It's loud, not a subtle thing.

I have to be going a constant speed, like 10 - 15 mph, not accelerating or decelerating. No noise turning right. Doesn't happen at higher speeds at all.

Axel, diff, wtf?

[jfj707]

I realize this is a probably a "duh" statement, but do make sure the wheel is not rubbing on anything during a turn.

[Stir Fry A Lot]

The rear ones are the hardest to do. Lots of shops don't like installing customer supplied parts. If they do they usually won't offer any warranty with it.

[moroza]

1. Can I not just buy the rear passenger hub, bearing and all, and replace it? Wouldn't that be easier?

The rear wheel hubs are built around the trailingarm - the bearing sits in the middle, and the wheel and axle flanges sandwich part of the arm between them. You could get a whole new (used) trailing arm with hub attached, which shouldn't be too expensive at a junkyard. As far as I can tell no special tools are required to replace them though access is awkward. Also it may screw up your alignment.



2. If not, is there someone near Tulsa with the Sir Tools that wants to help do rear bearing before Nov 19th? (going on a road trip)

Thanks guys!I don't know how useful it'll be, but Autozone rents a bunch of tools for free (you pay for it and get all your money back when done. If it breaks it's on them). Advance Auto Parts and possibly other chains do, too. I would see if they have something useful before coughing up $250+.

[ThinWhiteDuke]

Thanks for the replies guys!

But, I'm thinking it might NOT be the bearing.

Wondering what else it could be. I shook / wobbled both rears and neither had play or weird noise when spinning.

and, I'm fairly certain there isn't any rubbing going on. What could rub when turning in the rear that wouldn't rub when going straight or turning right? AND, it doesn't make the sound every time I turn left. Just a lot of the time.

[Derek A.]

Did you pull the rotor and look at the emergency brake ?

[Grim Reaper]

Whats the mileage on the rear bearings? The seal could have gone out on one and allowed grit into the bearing and its grinding itself to a slow death. Are you sure its a rear? Check all four and its best to pull the front rotors and spin just the front hub to really get a check on the condition of the fronts.

I am in Dallas and have the Sir Tool kit and might be able to help you out.

[ThinWhiteDuke]

Grim Reaper - word! I'll be in Dallas on Nov 19th and 20th to see The Mountain Goats (one of my favorite bands).

Well, now I'm really not sure what it is. Would my sway bar links in the rear having play on that side allow that wheel to tilt enough to rub on something when turning?

I'll pull the rotors and spin the hubs to make sure. I checked the front wheels too, and they had no play.

I had the wheels balanced today and replaced my Pitman arms.

I can't overstate the change. No more vibration at all over 65 (control and thrust arms fixed the 55 - 65 shimmy), and the rear end feels MUCH tighter.

When I was doing the Pitman arms this evening I checked the sway links and on that side it wiggled a bit.

hmmmm....

Grim, we should plan a get together some time anyway!

[ThinWhiteDuke]

Grim Reaper - word! I'll be in Dallas on Nov 19th and 20th to see The Mountain Goats (one of my favorite bands).

Well, now I'm really not sure what it is. Would my sway bar links in the rear having play on that side allow that wheel to tilt enough to rub on something when turning?

I'll pull the rotors and spin the hubs to make sure. I checked the front wheels too, and they had no play.

I had the wheels balanced today and replaced my Pitman arms.

I can't overstate the change. No more vibration at all over 65 (control and thrust arms fixed the 55 - 65 shimmy), and the rear end feels MUCH tighter.

When I was doing the Pitman arms this evening I checked the sway links and on that side it wiggled a bit.

hmmmm....

Grim, we should plan a get together some time anyway!