wheel bearing fun

tecnica · #1 03-16-2010, 10:38 AM

I've been reading alot on wheel bearing issues trying to localize and solve my own

At first I thought I had a warning pin. Eager to get new pads, I ordered up ceramics and thought all is well. The wha-wha-wha sound at low speeds continued. I then had the dealer take a test listen during a oil change to which they said it must just be the dust plate touching the back. So, I pounded the hell out of it and went on my way. However, at low speeds and worse with a slight turn to the left, I can hear my wha-wha-wha. It doesn't stop with breaking, nor sliding to neutral, and it differs it seems depending on humidity.

My only untried idea is wheel bearings. I'd assume I'd do both, as I'm sure a week after one is fixed the other will go (the rule of life).

Where should I purchase them? Is is possible to purchase a new hub with the bearing pressed in already? Do I need any special tools (during reading, I found conflicting answers)? How long will it take this average-joe to complete the job per side? And finally, is there a good DIY posted with pics? I dont care if its another car as long as its similar. Thank you

2004 X5 3.0i Manual with 79k miles and dirty floor mats

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tecnica · #2 03-19-2010, 12:57 AM

marco...

BimmerDude · #3 03-20-2010, 05:05 PM

Does the noise come up only when turning left or right? If so, then this was my problem as well. My indy found my e-brakes in the back were the problem. They where rubbing only when I turned right or left and then sometimes when just driving forward. Very werid. All he did was adjust them a little and cleaned them up. Now, no more problems. FYI, try it first before you pay like I did for wheel bearing and finding out it wasn't.... Good thing is that I did have flat spots on my bearings so it was something I would have to do sooner or later anyway. GD...

JCL · #4 03-20-2010, 08:50 PM

Read this thread: http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ny-advice.html

A wheel bearing failing typically has a sort of a ruh-ruh-ruh sound at wheel rotation speed. I had a failure of the LF wheel bearing, took it to the dealer and a day later got it back. If it was out of warranty I would have done it myself. Since I didn't I can't comment on the accuracy of the procedure in the above thread.

flatlander · #5 03-21-2010, 11:00 AM

I've had a difficult time discerning wheel bearing noise and tire cupping noise. They both increase/decrease frequency with speed. Using my spare tire, I took off suspect tires and found that tire cupping noise was causing the wah-wah-wah sound. Replacing the tire was my only option. The noise went away after that, and I saved $$$ that would have been an unnecessary bearing replacement.

tecnica · #6 03-22-2010, 08:57 AM

I'll look into all of this - thanks guys.

I'll report back my findings

tecnica · #7 04-05-2010, 09:55 PM

Wow bimmerdude - great call. Thanks for your post.

After a good scrubin' down and cleaning everything, I started to dig into my rotational squeaks.

I switched from my winter rims (17" with very low pressure due to laziness :p) and put on the 18"s with correct pressure. With the new rims on, the sound only happened intermittently. I found that if I lean on the e-brake handle the noise goes away. With my winter rims the noise happened all the time and louder so its was harder to figure out.

I could of swore to anyone that the sound was coming from the front of the vehicle, but whata know. I haven't fixed it quite yet, but at least I know what the issue is.

Thanks again guys

BimmerDude · #8 04-05-2010, 10:23 PM

No problem, I'm glad you found it! It took me months and months before my Indy took it for a test drive and stuck his head out the window while I drove to hear it. I thought it was from the front, to my surprise it was the ebrakes.... Go figure

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