How to tell if you have a bad wheel bearing

While changing out a wheel bearing on my SE I decided to make a vid on how to inspect one if you feel it's bad. Normally you can do this by removing the tire and shaking it with the rotor and caliper still attached, but this will give you an idea of what you will see if the bearings are indeed blown

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• pontiac
• grand
• prix
• supercharged
• l67
• 3800
• series
• II
• 3.8
• m90
• wheel
• bearing
• SE

[crocodiledavid]

right so if its shaking then its bad? cant u tighten it? or does it need to be replaced, cos my 88 bmw 318i makes a soft metal scratching sound when i turn left

[ninnyGTP]

@crocodiledavid

I don't have a ton of experience with BMW's, but SOME bearings you can rebuild, most though just require replacing the whole hub.

[phatbimmer]

for all the noobs just buy a new bearing. if its a press in best way is to use a press to put them on, its not complicated to press them but some are a bitch to get the snap ring off and the rear ford bearings on the trucks like expedition are a pain in the ass to press off unless you have a press but yeh. Hub assemblies are even easier since no pressing is required. I always check the hub on the press on to make sure its not damaged and if it is replace that and the bearing. good luck

[JimsGeminiTube]

When I did my hub assembly it didn't get nearly as bad so that you can shake it. I could hear it in the car while driving that's how I knew.

[DonegalRaymie201]

@xywolap

But we don't know IF it was worn, do we? He only says that there is excessive play, which will NOT be fixed by simply replacing with a new bearing!

The fix to excessive play, is to tighten to the correct torque, whether you change the bearing or not!

A damaged bearing can be heard like a wailing banshee, if you've never heard one!

[xywolap]

@DonegalRaymie201 NO If it is worn it is safer to replace it.

[DonegalRaymie201]

See that big nut that holds the bearing in place? Well tighten that up to the correct torque, and that "play" should go away!

If the bearing itself, is really damaged, you should hear a horrible grinding noise when you drive it/spin it. Otherwise, you've just got excessive play!

[REDBEARD885]

I have seen some bearings have no play and scream like an eagle down the road lol

[nicholassmerk]

Your nuts if you let a wheel bearing get that bad.

[automotiveDIY]

@jeepchevelle yes there is. 88-2000 chevrolet 2wds have serviceable wheel bearings in the front. supposed to torque the hub bolt every 30000 miles and check for play.

[ace6227]

Check out my video response. You've also got a bad wheel bearing/wheel hub assembly if it does this!

[NorkiddExo]

@ninnyGTP yea old skool one can ONLY be rebuilt, costing about 40 bucks a hub. To buy new ones for my 66' chrysler their over $1000.