I think it might be a wheel bearing, but I hope it's something simpler. My front left wheel is making some weird sounds. The easiest way to describe it is it sounds like a squeaky fan belt on the wheel. I have checked the brake pads, the plastic around the wheel well, the motor/tranny mounts, and even pulled the tire in the process. After putting the tire back on and tighening the lug nuts, I tried to see if I could wiggle the rim and see if the bearing was possibly worn out.

I'm at a loss here and can't find any other threads with the same problem. Can someone help me figure out this problem?

 

So it sounds like your wheel belt is going out? Replace it! lmao.gif

Probly the bearing or the CV joint from what you're describing.

Most people describe the wheel bearing as a gnashing trashing grinding sound at all speeds, but gets worse as you go faster.

 

Thanks for the fast response.

Actually it's not the cv joints, I forgot to mention that i checked that too by accellerating into turns and see if it clicks. Earlier today it would only act up at over 35mph but i just ran to wawa when i made the first post and now it's getting worse fast. Guess it's the wheel bearing. Darn. why couldn't the wheel bearings be as easy as some domestic cars? Am I going to have to replace the spindle as well or is it just the bearing getting chewed up?

 

When you turn one way does it go away? If so, wheel bearing it is.

 

Are you sure the brake pads are good, most pads have that little metal indicator on them so when they wear to much the indicator hits the rotor and makes an awful squeaking sound, or it could be your caliper is sticking and when you release the brakes the pads stay in contact with the rotor, try driving the car and when you hear the sound use your left foot to lightly push on the brake pedal and see if the sound goes away or changes.

 

Thanks everyone for your help. It was in fact the wheel bearing, so kudos to everyone who responded. I had it replaced this past monday and it is sooo much better now.

 

Front wheel bearings are one of those jobs I leave to the professionals. unfortunatly they need to be pressed in and out of the hubs. As for the spindle comment, your front spindles are easily replaceable, they are part of the drive shaft and slide right out when you pull it.

Rear wheel bearings are VERY easy. In our cars it is one nut that holds the rear hubs on, undo it and the whole hub and bearing comes off as a one piece affair. This is good because that is how they sell them, with the bearing already attached to the hub.

 

Damn front wheel bearings. Both are going out on me at once, so that's more $$$.