Wheel bearing (hub)?

[buickman50401]

I think one of the wheel bearings on my '03 Buick is on its way out. I've got a high pitched squeal coming from the vehicle at any speed above 10mph rather than the typical grinding noise people associate with bad wheel bearings.

At first I thought it might have been the brakes, but there is no change in the sound when I apply the brakes. Swerving gently back and forth to "unload" the bearings does stop the noise - When I swerve towards the right the sound stops which IIRC should mean I'm unloading the right front bearing and thus that is where the problem lies. I've talked to a mechanic friend of mine about it and he says based on what I'm describing he assumes my diagnosis is correct.

Any other suggestions or does this sound right? If so, I've found a Timken replacement I can get from Amazon for $96 including shipping that the mechanic will put on for me for a very reasonable price. (I thought about doing it myself but just don't want to deal with the headache.)

 

[chet2]

timken makes good bearings, my company makes some seals for them

 

[motorguy222]

Give the brakes a check before getting a wheel bearing.Sometimes brakes can cause problems that you wouldnt expect.

 

[buickman50401]

Originally Posted By: motorguy222
Give the brakes a check before getting a wheel bearing.Sometimes brakes can cause problems that you wouldnt expect.


The front brakes were serviced by me about 10k mi ago with new rotors, "premium" grade pads, and a new left caliper. The rear drums were fine with about 50% of the shoes' material.

If it were the brakes shouldn't the sound change and or cease when I apply the brakes?

 

[buickman50401]

Daily driver. The longest it ever sets is 2 days in a row if I happen to be using our wagon for hauling things.

The car has 130K on the chassis (motor is 20k, brakes about 15k).

 

[Trav]

With 15K on the brakes pads should be fine but a slightly sticky caliper due to either a sticky piston or hardware can wear pads quickly.
Check the little metal wear indicator tabs on the pads, they will give a squeal with brakes on or off when touching the rotor but could quieten when turning.

Edit: The slide pins on these caliper brackets use a rubber insert and are prone to sticking, only a few kinds of grease work well in these over longer periods.

 

[mechtech2]

Wheel bearings do not exhibit a high pitched squeal , except in rare occasions.
Neither is there a typical grinding noise when they fail.
A low rumble and maybe a growl at half wheel rotation speed is more likely.

Diagnose further. It may be a backing plate making contact.

 

[buickman50401]

Problem solved. Wasn't the bearing. Turned out to be the brake pads on the right side dragging/catching a bit on the edge/lip of rust that forms on the rotors.

Mechanic buddy of mine pulled the brake caliper and pads pulled out an angle grinder and beveled the edges of the pads (pads have at least 90% of the material on them still). No more high pitched warble.

He at first was confused as well since the noise was much more pronounced when turning left and went away when turning right but as he later explained it, there is always some play in the suspension which allows for a small amount of shift of the rotor accounting for the behavior of the noise.

 

[mechtech2]

Kool