Wheel bearing?

[jesus]

I have a droning/humming type of noise when driving. It seems to get louder at 40-50mph, then quieter, then loud at 70+ again.

When I turn left the noise disappears, but when I turn right it either gets slightly louder or stays present.

I have been having a few issues with the gearbox lately with it crunching into 3rd when hammering it, but only if I shift really quick.

Also, my N/S brake disc could be slightly warped - this was spotted at the MOT but hasn't made any noises until now.

I've covered 500 miles in the past couple of days and I'm the furthest I could possibly be from home (Land's End incidentally!).

Am I alright driving it for the next few days, and back home, if it IS the wheel bearing? What else could it be?

As always - thank you in advance for your help.

x

 

[da rok]

I've run a noisy wheel bearing for a month while trying to source a new one, not advisable though, if you have access to any tools jack it up and see which wheel is making the noise, if its one of the back wheels then you can re pack the bearing with grease fairly easily, the front is a bit more of a issue to get to. you should be ok for a week, if the noise gets any worse or you notice a change in handling or any big vibrations, stop immediately.

 

[Jekyll]

99% certain that's a wheel bearing. Best way to tell is to jack the car up and check for play on each wheel. I know you probably not in a position to do so atm though.

You will be fine. I drove from Essex to the Isle of Wight and around for a week, then drove home and waited another week before I changed mine. You'll be fine. It's the noise that's the most annoying!

If it's the rears, then I'd just buy new disks as they come with the bearings pressed in for around £100 for the pair new.

 

[jesus]

Thanks guys - I'll be lifting it up as soon as I get back!

How do I check which one it is when it's jacked ip? Will I hear it if I spin the wheel by hand?

I have a feeling it's a front one as I've had rear discs fitted recently.

 

[scotty10]

Mine was noisy on the front and the alloy was hot to touch compared to all the others.

 

[Darren S]

Thanks guys - I'll be lifting it up as soon as I get back!

How do I check which one it is when it's jacked ip? Will I hear it if I spin the wheel by hand?

I have a feeling it's a front one as I've had rear discs fitted recently.

Don't discount the rears - even if they have been replaced recently. If the tapered ring that comes as part of the kit has been fitted the wrong way around, it will rapidly reduce the life of the new bearing. One of mine barely lasted four months before it needed replacing again - through my own fault.

It can be very deceiving in terms of noise - you're convinced it's from the front - and as you say, it's noisier when turning. But don't forget - you're loading up one complete side of the car in a sweeping bend - not just one corner.

In 140k - I've never had to replace the fronts - and I ran without centre caps for over 8 years. The rears must have been replaced four or five times during the lifetime of the 182 so far. And if it is a rear one - I'll put money on it being the offside rear.

 

[jesus]

Does anyone know how to check which one it is?

Rough price for the job at a garage?

Cheers x

 

[Jekyll]

Post 3 :wink: Once the car is jacked up, hold the wheel in the fitting position (180° either side) and wiggle it up and down/side to side and see which one has play.

Pretty sure 519 once charged me £80 for a bearing replacement. That included part and labour. That was on the rear before I know that you could get a set of discs with bearings pressed in for around £100.

 

[da rok]

There may not always be play in the bearings, so the wheel might not rock about but the bearing may still be dead, spin the wheel and listen for any noise, it should spin silently besides for the sound of the brakes, or diff on the front

 

[jesus]

Cheers folks. Is a wheel bearing on a Clio a job that any decent garage could do, or like ever would it be better to take it to a specialist? I'm absolutely clueless on what needs doing to change a wheel bearing so all info and help is appreciated

 

[Darren S]

If it is the rear(s) - as others have said, they come as part of the rear disc brake. Piece of piss to swap out - as is nearly anything on those rear wheels - and is definitely something you could yourself with a jack and a decent socket set.

The fronts have to be pressed in iirc - and definitely requires equipment that you're hardly likely to have sat around.

 

[Jekyll]

Any garage can do the fronts, it's just whether you want to take your car to the likes of formula one, etc.

They will be cheaper, open 7 days a week, etc but a specialist will know exactly what's needed/decent bearings etc. I'd imagine the specialist will charge more though.