noise!!!!!!!!!

[woofy2005]

help..i have a whining noise coming from front drivers wheel,is it a wheel bearing gone...and if so can this be dangerous...

[spaced]

if its the bearng and the bearing finally gives way, the wheel will lock and can be dangerous. Happened to me once.

[tom hopkins]

to check if it is a wheel bearing. jack up the suspected wheel, grip at the top and bottom and gently push and pull top to bottom if there is any play wheel bearing is on it's way out. get it replacedn asap.

[Jay70]

Check for small children or traffic wardens :0)

[Schnorbitz]

Do Tom Hopkins test, but a bearing on the way out also generates tremendous heat. After short run (even 100yds will do) place hand on hub. If hot, take hand off hub and change bearing pdq!!! It can get hot enough to warp the front brake disk so change it now while it only whines:~(

[stanleyman]

Can also be a CV joint if front wheel drive. Check the tyres and mudflaps as well. You haven't seen my dog?

[woody45]

I,m an automotive test engineer and incidently specialised in wheel bearing tests. Although as other's point out the whinning could be due to a number of issues, but is mainly exhibited by the bearing. Rocking the wheel from top to bottom indicates wear or slackness. This test however will not necessarilly pick up a fault in well adjusted bearing. Infact overtightening of wheel bearings is a major precursor to failure due to over heating, consequential grease break down, and this will not show up by this test method. Another method of test carries a bit of risk as you need to back of the pads or shoes. Nowadays ABS systems can be damaged by pressing back the pads. If done very progressively it is unlikely to do harm but care is required. Tools are available to do this (See Machinemart or similar tool merchants) but are not really necessary. If you use an appropriate hose clip to block the flow to the brake and crack open the bleed nipple you can push the pads back without risk, but you will loose fluid and have to re-bleed the system. Once the pads are backed off, spin the wheel and listen for any inappropiate grating or clicking of the bearing. If you can put your hand on a stethoscope to listen this would be much better. If the bearing purrs then you have little to worry about and I'd look elsewhere. Such as loose pad, something rubbing or possibly the CVJ.

Please note if you find it is the bearing and decide to take it on yourself, pay close attention to assembly criterion as new bearings are so easilly damaged by inexperienced fitters.

Good Luck Woody

[woofy2005]

thanks all, yes it was the wheel bearing...and there;s me thinking it was ex-husband in boot !!!!!!!!!