How do you tell if wheel bearing is bad?

[Shawn]

2005 Hatch. I got the fronts replaced about 8 months ago.
I think it is the right rear, because when I put load on it in a sweeping corner I feel a slight rumble on the floor.
So can I just jack up the rear and wiggle the wheel? Need a crow bar to tell?

[dentinger]

So can I just jack up the rear and wiggle the wheel?

pretty much. wiggle it side to side, and up and down.

also, take a screw driver or something. put the blade end to the bearing, and the handle end to your hear. any noise will travel thru the screwdriver making it easier to hear.

[Default User]

Early sign is a humming noise and/or shimmy in the steering wheel cause your alignment is getting out of wack.

Jack the car up and try to pull the wheel left and right/up and down. If it does move AT ALL - it's time to change.
The screwdriver thing won't work as the vehicle/part must be in motion.

Did you replace the same bearing already? Or is it a different wheel?

[dentinger]

The screwdriver thing won't work as the vehicle/part must be in motion.


thats why you spin the wheel while doing this....

[Default User]

ROTFL !!!!!

Total brain fart
LOL!!!!!

I'm still giggling as I type this
I'm picturing Shawn driving the car as his buddy has his hea out the window with a screwdriver.....
Bwahhahahahhahahah !!! Alright I'm gonna go back to drinking outside now.

[Shawn]

I having a hard time telling. Drivers side seems a little squishy, but I really cannot tell. I did the Fronts about 8 months ago. I am pretty sure my Dad has a stethoscope. So I will hit him up.

Can someone get on my creeper and let me go on the on ramp at speed. I have the HotRod creeper so it should hand to corners. :chuckle:loco

[RECREATIONAL_ANXIETY]

If it calls you for bail...



You should hear a rumble at speed that gets worse as the load increases on that wheel (ie. after a dip in the road, or swerving in the opposite direction)