wheel bearing fun
 

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

marco...

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...

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.

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.

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

I'll report back my findings

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

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 ;)