Bearing or halfshaft noise?

[NDM86]

Hello,
My 96 with 85k miles has recently started to have a howl that seems halfshaft or wheel bearing related. Noise starts at 30 mph and gets louder with speed. The only thing that seems to affect it is a steering change at which the noise changes pitch considerably, really pronounced with a left turn. Anyone have a similar experience? I have examined the shafts adn bearings and cannot find anything overt yet. Thanks!

 

[SHOZ123]

Wheel bearings is my bet. Jack the car up and grab the wheel. Try to move them back and forth. Any play is no good and if yours are making considerable noise then there will be noticeable play.

You need to change out the entire knuckle. Go Here on eBay for the best deal around.

 

[NDM86]

Paul,
Checked for play at the front wheels and cannot find any, is it possible that the bearings are spring loaded and take up play automaticly?
Todd

 

[SHOZ123]

No they are not spring loaded. Did you have your hands opposite each other on the tire and try a twisting motion?

 

[NDM86]

Yes, I did try a twisting motion, am begining to suspect the CV joints, there is a little play in them when one side is held and the opposite is rotated but I am unsure how much is normal, my fiero is the only thing I have to compare it to and there is a little play there also but not as much.
Thanks for the info, Todd

 

[SHOZ123]

AFAIK the CV joints make a popping noise if they are bad or they spatter grease all over the place.

 

[venom]

NDM86:
Paul,
Checked for play at the front wheels and cannot find any, is it possible that the bearings are spring loaded and take up play automaticly?
Todd

Probably a stupid questio but did you check the rears as well? Even rear bearing noises will change in pitch in a turn as weight is shifted onto the edge of the tire, and lateral forces come into play.

Good Luck.

 

[wild01ride]

I had some SERIOUS issues with front left wheel bearing when I originally bought my '98. It seems as though the dealer (or someone) had serviced some part of the front end that involved removing the steering knuckle. To make a long story short, they sure as **** didn't torque the thing back to spec (there was LOTS of play when the car was raised off the ground). I re-torqued the spindle nut but the bearings were too far gone. There was not harshness in ride, but some droning or humming directly proportional to vehicle speed.
If this is the problem, I'm guessing wheel bearings (non-serviceable: SORRY!) You can pick 'em up for about $80 (the quote I got).
There should,indeed be play in the halfshaft (in and out play- NOT play that allows the half shaft to deflect away from the axis of the hub.)
Good luck- it's something that is reasonable to do yourself with a Chilton or comparable manual if you are a semi-mechanical type.