Questions about wheel bearings!

[rich_g85]

OK, i know that my wheel bearing is on its way out, when it was serviced recently he asked me if i wanted it replacing. The car makes a very loud humming noise when im driving above about 30, and if i turn the steering slightly to the left it gets louder and more of a buzz.

Can you explain exactly what the wheel bearing is, what it does/where it is (i know its on the wheel!!), and what would happen if it failed altogether.

Can i keep driving with it making a noise all the time? If it fails, how will i know?

Thanks

 

[BigBoreBri]

Its a cartridge bearing that connects the hub (thats the bit you attach the wheel to) to the hub carrier (thats what connects to the suspension strut/wishbone etc).

The bearing allows the wheel to spin... without it your kinda fecked!

If it failed completely it will likely crack an outer race n explode, if that happens you will know about it!!

Just get it fixed mate, shouldnt cost much!

 

[JAY172]

if the wheel bearing collapes or welds itself together due to the heat(lack of grease)when your driving then you will most likely lose control of the car because your wheel will wobbling all over the place.if its noisy then replace it asap.

 

[rich_g85]

Jay, do you reckon you could give me an estimate of the cost to have the bearing replaced at a renault dealer?

 

[iPap]

Quote: Originally posted by rich_g85 on 20 March 2004


The car makes a very loud humming noise when im driving above about 30, and if i turn the steering slightly to the left it gets louder and more of a buzz.

Snap!!!

 

[JAY172]

Quote: Originally posted by rich_g85 on 20 March 2004

Jay, do you reckon you could give me an estimate of the cost to have the bearing replaced at a renault dealer?

about 1.6 hrs @ approx £60 a hour and about £60 for the bearing.poss a total of about £160.any decent garage with a press can fit it for you,doesnt need to be a renault dealer.

 

[rich_g85]

Quote: Originally posted by JAY172 on 20 March 2004

Quote: Originally posted by rich_g85 on 20 March 2004

Jay, do you reckon you could give me an estimate of the cost to have the bearing replaced at a renault dealer?

about 1.6 hrs @ approx £60 a hour and about £60 for the bearing.poss a total of about £160.any decent garage with a press can fit it for you,doesnt need to be a renault dealer.


youre a star! thanks a lot. thats a big relief, as Ive just shelled out £300 for a new master cylinder. seems to be one thing after another at the moment , makes me question my faith in the car!

 

[JAY172]

a smaller garage would be a lot cheaper than that.just make sure they have a press.

 

[BenR]

Yup, a half decent garage that sees alot of renaults would be preferable.

If the bearings are pressed in poorly then the bearing wont last long from new. There are just far too many monkeys out there.

Gen Ren bearings are a tad more expensive but are higher quality, places like GSF and ECP do bearing cheaper but come with an iffy driveshaft nut and typically arent as high quality, but are more than fine really.

 

[rich_g85]

would Kwikfit be a suitable place?

 

[JAY172]

if they use a press then i dont see why not.