Dangerous to Drive

[SHO power]

I think my bearing is shot. There is a HORRIBLE grinding and thumping (loud!) coming from the right front wheel. I initially changed out the brakes and caliper ($47.00) because the rotor seemed to have grooved, and I though it was the source of my problem. I then had to drive 30 miles home. About 1 mile into my journey, The thumping returned, worse. I had to drive 29 more miles on the highway, scared I was going to blow a tire or lose a wheel. I got home to see really uneven wear of on the back side of the caliper, and the knuckle realy loose. Brake dust had turned my wheel black. The Large nut (57mm) was loose, so I am assuming that the bearing wore out and this is the cause. I am going to replace it regardless, but I am not sure how to get it off. Any one know how to do this? Your help would be great so that I can start driving again. Once this is finished, time to start looking for transmissions because third's synchro is shot. All things break with months on each other!!! My once pristine SHO has had a handful of problems, a big dent, and a "happy new year" message carved into the paint, and my stearing wheel worn out, in the last three months. Also need a heater core. Argg... I was even looking at 98-99 Talon TSI AWD's today.... Your help would be great.

-Tom

 

[projectSHO89]

I solved my recent bad wheel bearing problem by going to U-Wrench-It and pulling a complete knuckle/hub assembly from a Sable. $15. Someone had already pulled the tranny, so I only had to pull it from the strut. Saved me a lot of time and money for however long it lasts.

If you go this route, make sure you get one from an approriate donor car so that it is the same fit.

Continued driving of the car is dangerous and should not be attempted until this problem is repaired.

rangerj and others have posted very good directions on how to replace the wheel bearing and hub. These should be easily locatable using the SEARCH function now that you know what to look for.

Steve

<small>[ January 23, 2004, 09:47 AM: Message edited by: projectSHO89 ]</small>

 

[SHO power]

Would this also cause the ABS light to turn on? I was thinking this would happen if the bearing went, it is severe enough I do believe. I was wondering if I damaged the CV also. I replaced the CV about 3 months ago. I hope i havent destroyed that as well.

Thanks, your input will help this weekend.

 

[pjtoledo]

SHO power:
I think my bearing is shot. There is a HORRIBLE grinding and thumping (loud!) coming from the right front wheel. ............The Large nut (57mm) was loose, ,,,,,,,,,
-Tom

57mm???? It's a bit closer to 30mm on my car.

Perry

 

[SonicRiot]

Yeah brakes will be affected, maybe even ABS because a bad ball bearing will make the wheel shake and vibrate heavily like the car is seriously out of alignment, thus not allowing the brakes to do their job properly.

Jack the car up and wiggle the front wheel hard. If it squeaks, clunks, and wiggles more than a few tenths of an inch in ANY direction, your ball bearing is shot. If it is really bad, consider a whole new rack, tie rods, bushings, and control arms while you are in there.

P.S.> Talons/Eclipses are susceptable to heavy crank-walk and timing belt issues. You want an unreliable factory hot rod? Get one of those Talon/Eclipses. Especially the newer ones. They sound tempting, but when a large SUV plows into you, you will cry when that tin can crumples to bits. And you will be sorry if you ever hod rod those cars...Money money money to make the things relaible and strong. Trust me, I know form research and first hand experience.

Personally, I'd stick with the SHO. Or buy a new one if you like them enough.

 

[rangerj]

SHOPOWER,

I agree with Steve. Your problem is severe and you risk doing extensive damage if you drive the car, as well as risk your well being. Nuff said?

As for your ABS light, your wobbly wheel and axel has very likely brought the ABS ring (gear or cog like thing on the CV joint)in contact with the steering knuckle, or more likely the ABS sensor. Either the ABS sensor has been damaged or the ring has one or more broken teeth.

A Steve has so kindly pointed out the bearing replacement proceedure has been delineated by me, and others, many times. If you can't find the earlier posts and/or have questions, get back to us. We'll get you through it.

As to the possible damage to your CV joint, don't worry about that just yet. The Rezeppa Joint, the thing we all call the CV or Constant Velocity joint, is a very hardy component designed by (you guessed it - Rezeppa)so that it flexes in a wide range of motions.

You can assess your damages when you get into it, until then it does no good to worry.

If anyone knows where I can read a biography of Rezeppa please let me know. rangerj

 

[SHO power]

Thanks for the input.The car has been parked for about a week, so no extra driving has been done. I will be replacing the bearing, etc this week. If I have trouble, you surely read another post.

Thanks guys,

-Tom