Thread: Wheel bearing diagnosis ... let's rough draft a sticky

So i thought that Chip (project MPG take #2) had a bad wheel bearing.
Classic noise: speed dependent (not RPM), sounding something between a constant metallic hum or scrape. You could make it louder or softer by turning away or towards. Playing with the brakes makes no difference.
Previously diagnosed it out back on a previous b13, replaced and all good.
But i can't remember if u could heard it just by jacking up and spinning the tire?

The current problem seems to be at the inboard end of the axle, but should the knuckle be swapped out anyway? Spinning the hub via a tire the bearings are quiet. But maybe they need to be loaded to be sure...

Mine were worn down pretty bad and made 0 noise in the air.

jack it up grab the tire and shake it. if you can move it then replace. that is my method and has seemed to work

I use Morgan's method...shouldn't have any lateral movement. Noise when turning could also be the axle itself.

Lateral as in you can pull/push the tire (therfore the hub) and it moves in the knuckle?

Exactly...I usually grab the tire at the top and bottom and try to rock it back and forth...then do the same with hands at left-right position.

Dont do that up and down thing lol I've literally never experienced any movement and have dealt with some really fucked up wheel bearings. If its make noise as you transfer the load side to side its not the axle because the axle would get louder as you accelerate only. Take it from a mechanic who does it for a living and replace your wheel bearings lol

When the hub falls off with the removal of the caliper.... Its bad

had that happen before was easy to diagnose then

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