Wheel bearings

[stevejgreen]

This might help if you have not already downloaded it. Here or there

[element]

When a wheel bearing is at its end of life in my other cars, there is a distinct drone noise that comes from that corner of the vehicle and the wheel when rocked vertically & horizontally shows some play. Last year I mentioned a groaning noise coming from the back and initially thought it was from the rear axle but others here suggested it was the rear wheel bearings. Given this topic - when you know your rear wheel bearings are going - is it the same drone sound above a certain speed (as in with other modern cars) or - is it like mine; not the drone but more of a cyclic groan sound - almost as though one of the brake drums has become ovular & a shoe is binding with every wheel turn. It seems to happen more often when after a long run or when the brakes have been used and maybe they got a bit hot. A stamp on the brake pedal and the sound instantly stops momentarily but returns in due course... I am beginning to think it is a brake issue and not a wheel bearing.. I haven't had the opportunity to look at it yet but this weekend I'll be out & when the noise is present, on returning home I'll jack it up and remove the wheel (suspect rear offside) then try to check the drum and remove it for an inspection. Maybe it just needs new shoes or there's a spring broken etc.. This sound has come and gone for the last 3 summers..

[stevejgreen]

In engineering terms there is a massive difference between taper roller bearings and ball bearings. The way in which they wear is very different.
Modern cars tend to use ball bearings so have a different performance and characteristics to taper roller bearings.

Fronts on a Marina based car are tapered, rears balls, threat them differentlly.

[element]

I guess therefore if I jack it up and try to wobble the wheel - if it has movement then it is the bearings if it doesn't then it's likely to be the brakes..

[b_caswell]

You should be able to feel the bearing rumble when revolving the wheel by hand.

Another problem can be the bearing moving slightly on the shaft allowing the brake drum to rub against the brake shoes.

If you fit a new bearing don't forget to pack it with grease as its not( as some think) lubricated by the axle oil.

[Skittler]

I have the same 'grinding' noise emanating from the nearside front, only when hot after driving long distance which is stopped by 'damping' the foot on the brake.
Also interestingly it has occurred when I return home and use full right lock onto the drive. There is evidence (Adrian Newey) that the movement of flexible brake pipes can cause a slight pressure increase and thus the application of the brake!
The last time car was checked there was no bearing movement nor can I detect any!
So today, its going to be sunny, I plan to investigate further:
a) look at bearing, may need a tad of tightening
b) clean brakes
c) look at piston movement to ensure they are retracting correctly

[stevejgreen]

I have the same 'grinding' noise emanating from the nearside front, only when hot after driving long distance which is stopped by 'damping' the foot on the brake.
Also interestingly it has occurred when I return home and use full right lock onto the drive. There is evidence (Adrian Newey) that the movement of flexible brake pipes can cause a slight pressure increase and thus the application of the brake!
The last time car was checked there was no bearing movement nor can I detect any!
So today, its going to be sunny, I plan to investigate further:
a) look at bearing, may need a tad of tightening
b) clean brakes
c) look at piston movement to ensure they are retracting correctly

Do not overtighten the front bearings, do the job as the BL manual describes.
0.001” to 0.005” free play is required, not preloaded.

[Skittler]

Thanks Steve
But now sure it's not bearings - every indication of a sticking piston
I remember overhauling them when I first got car; probably needs a good deep clean/overhaul.
Tantalizingly the car rolls easily down a slight slope so it looks like the small increase in heat during a journey is just enough!

[stevejgreen]

Always worth a strip down and check especially on a car that may not move for three months or so.

[Skittler]

Nearside all done; just need my son to return from work to bleed the brakes.
There was indeed water ingress shown by what I will call 'soft rust' on the piston. Most of it easily wiped off with cloth before a really good clean.
But I couldn't get the piston to budge when the caliper was off so had to use the friendly garage's airline again fro a bit of wellie.
Wheel is now turning very smoothly and certainly no bearing noise or 'wobble'.