Wheel Bearings

pol · Post by **pol** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 8:46 am

Can anyone describe what worn front wheel bearings may sound like?

I've had a kind of 'dull' noise coming from the front, which increases when cornering, particularly one side. It may be a CV joint but i'm not convinced yet...

I believe bearings may be fun to change... Maybe get big bertha vice out again?

pol

catgroom · Post by **catgroom** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 5:34 pm

Hello Pol!

Seeing as youve been no end of help to me of late I decided to jump in first!

I assume youve done the standard worn CV check that folk do???Put the car on full lock and drive slowly to see if you have a kocking....kocking??...knocking!!

If you find this proves not to be the case then try the wheel bearing test used.This is usually to jack up the car,then to take the (road)wheel with both hands.Hold the wheel one hand at top and one at bottom.If theres any play then tighten the hub nut to HBOL setting,approx 210/210.ie fucking indecently tight!!

If after a while the sound returns then I would replace.Actually if theyre originals,replace them both now.I will be soon.According to fellow 480 merchant Rob Kendall,the sudden bearing going experience is one only to savoured on an airfield!!Also yur handling will be noticeably better,faaaaar better when done.

Phew!

pol · Post by **pol** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 7:41 pm

Cheers groomus. I'll give them a check.

pol

pol · Post by **pol** » Tue May 01, 2007 2:35 pm

How difficult is it to change bearings? I have a huuuge vice, a fair bit of determination and some grease. Any good?

pol

Richmann1 · Post by **Richmann1** » Tue May 01, 2007 4:07 pm

Its is fairly easy to change the bearings as long as you have a good torque wrench once you have done one you will fly through the other one.

Rich

pol · Post by **pol** » Tue May 01, 2007 8:07 pm

That's encouraging. Sounds easier than wishbone bushes?

pol

chris1roll · Post by **chris1roll** » Sat May 05, 2007 8:06 pm

pol wrote:That's encouraging. Sounds easier than wishbone bushes?

pol

Wishbone bushes took about an hour for all of them. Front wheel bearing took forever and bent my big record vice.....

I would recommend dismantling it all and then taking it to a garage with a suitable press to drive it out and the new one in.

pol · Post by **pol** » Mon May 07, 2007 6:13 pm

Errrr yes... They are in there pretty tight.

I was pretty much expecting that but either way, the hubs needed to come off.

Found the problem though!

One bearing was absolutely wrecked. Loads of play there. Other had a little play also...

... But have to wait until a mechanic friend can fit the bearings

Also ordered a new lower balljoint and errr track-rod end. (funking track rod bloody ball joint separator bollocks!

)

A press is needed.

pol

robkendall · Post by **robkendall** » Mon May 07, 2007 7:56 pm

piece of scaffold pipe is about right to whack out wheel bearings ive always found...doesnt matter what condition they come out in after all....
pressing back in, use the scaff pole again (about 3 inches worth) with a bottle jack, and the hub against a wall, couple of bits of old railway sleeper or whatever as packing to take up the space....i did mine in the garage doorway....isnt that hard really
rgrds
rob