Rear Wheel Bearings

[hatters]

The other day whilst out in the Elan I noticed a rumbling noise on the car that sounded like a wheel bearing .When I arrived back at home I checked both the back wheels because I couldn't determine which wheel it was ,bearing in mind I was just doing a check without jacking the wheels up. and sure enough both rear wheels had play in the bearings I read up on how to adjust them on here because I thought at first that I was looking at replacing them altogether ,However I took both the wheels of this morning and adjusted up the bearings ,I then took it out for a spin and what a difference it has made to driving the car no noises now and it handles much much better Its hard to believe that such a very small amount of play in the bearings can make that much difference to the way the car drives Very pleased with the job I did this morning
So a message to all of you on here
Its worth just lifting the rear of the car and checking the bearings ,they obviously require adjustment every now and then

[hatters]

If you read the first post about the Wheel Bearings you will see I was very pleased with my efforts
However now I am not so pleased, because the noise has returned and sure enough there appears to be play in the bearings once more ,I intend to take of the wheels and once again tighten up the castle nuts, but does this mean the bearings are shot and need replacing .
Thoughts please

[mtp]

For what they cost and how easy it is to change them go for new ones and some decent grease to

[Brit-Car-Nut]

If you read the first post about the Wheel Bearings you will see I was very pleased with my efforts
However now I am not so pleased, because the noise has returned and sure enough there appears to be play in the bearings once more ,I intend to take of the wheels and once again tighten up the castle nuts, but does this mean the bearings are shot and need replacing .
Thoughts please

Something is wrong. Check the physical bearing for dark rollers indicating they have overheated and try to tap out the race a bit to see if the races have "spun". If the bearings are sloppy or show darkened rollers, then replace the bearings AND races. If the races aren't in tightly, the hubs/rotors will need to be replaced. Make sure you are using a high grade disk brake wheel bearing grease.

[bobbrown]

Bearings are cheap enough so replacement is not going to break the bank although care is needed when fitting as you do not want to damage the running surfaces, see the wikilec for details.

I found that when I went to tighten mine up earlier in the year even with the nut at 18 ft/lbs there was still slight play in the hub.
This was more pronounced top to bottom than left to right so out with the micrometer and the outer part of shaft was showing slight signs of wear on the lower part, the bit that carries the load.
Suppose it is to be expected as the bearing is not really an interference fit as you can fit it by hand so it will turn on the shaft.

I fixed mine with the aid of a little Loctite (603) retainer, cleaned the surfaces with acetone but brake cleaner will do, applied a small amount Loctite to both surfaces and refitted and left the nut slightly tighter than hand tight for 20 mins and then slackened them back and left them hand tight and all the play was gone and has been fine since then.

[roy666]

Hi all... just in the middle of my blatt around Spain and the o/s rear wheel bearing is whining like a banshee; I've jacked the car up and there is absolutely no play/float in the wheel (it was a bit warm so perhaps that was why).. tomorrow I'll check again when the wheel is cold. Question is: I have another 300 miles to go before I can really get the bearing sorted...how far can you drive on a bad bearing??..cheers Mike

[dapinky]

Mike,

If you have the tools with you, it is a simple process to whip the split pin out, back off the nut (it shouldn't be tight, so even a basic adjustable spanner/monkey wrench will do it), then remove the outer bearing and check it's condition. If it's okay, pack with grease and refit.

If it is shot, then getting a replacement in Spain shouldn't be hard - it's a Vauxhall Corsa (1983 - 1993) bearing - - GM part number 90217059.

Alternatively, it is also a VW part - SKF - VKBA529 (VW Golf 1984-1992 (MK1), 1992-1998 (MK3))

Any local grease monkey will be able to fit it - it's nothing magical.

[roy666]

Thanks Dave..will do... M

[Simon_P]

Make sure its not too tight. There should be just perceptible play when cold. Being too tight will make it get hot and wear out quickly.

[roy666]

Thanks chaps... I did take a look at the rear bearings.. and they are both fine!... front are a bit more complex... had to continue driving and the noise is getting worse. However, every time I take a bend to the right.. the noise stops. got to be a front bearing.. N/S.. right??... can't be a drive shaft.. can it?

[Simon_P]

the noise is getting worse

It'll stop when it falls off.

No can't be a driveshaft, and would be unlikely to be the link shaft bearing. Most likley to be N/S as you say but difficult to say without being there!

It is a very common bearing and any garage with a press could change it. Hub nut and 3 ball joints to take the hub carrier off, press the hub out of the bearing which will fall apart, remove circlips and press remainder of bearing out. Some of the pressing may require a change of underwear.

Might be worth getting the bearing and planning a stop somewhere.

[roy666]

Thanks Simon,.. in the end it was the rear bearing (o/S)... wasted 4 days waiting for the parts which didn't arrive.. only to finally find a local garage that just happen to have them on the shelf.. all fixed and on the last leg home... 2100 miles in 3 weeks! tip for next time... take set of spare bearings jic.. ta M