wheel bearing :(

[Martin_172]

im getting a loud humming that seems to start about 40mph, sounds to me like it could be a wheel bearing, only noticed it starting today.

any advice on how to work out what side/wheel its coming from? should they be replaced in pairs? how much do they cost? whats needed to fit them? sorry for all the questions just not sure on what to do!

its a 1.2 16v btw

cheers,
Martin

 

[Rob.]

Best to Replace pairs to check what wheel it is either jack up both sides and see what side has play when you try shake it side to side

or

go 40 mph around a right conner and if it still makes a nose its the left wheel
go 40 mph around a left conner and if it still makes a nose its the rigth wheel

hope this helps mate

 

[Martin_172]

cheers mate ill give it a go.

does lowering the car put added strain on them?

 

[Rob.]

umm im not to sure about that one. i wouldnt of thought so but maybe im wrong

 

[kartman]

Had to get my new one replaced again, probably because I was given the wrong one!
Anyway, when you jack the car up, you should find if there is a faulty bearing it will not spin smoothly and there will be a rubbning noise if you spin the wheel.
Also, make sure you get the right one for your car (especially for 172/182) as diff models require diff bearing as i found to my cost.
Also, lowering shouldnt really affect it as only one of my nearings has gone and they have been on the car over 3 years.
They cost about £30 for most but 172 was £35.