Grinding. Wheel Bearing???

[72BUG]

Just been out for a ride in the bus and it's developed a grinding noise which seems to be eminating from the front n/s wheel. It started as a slight squeek and over about a mile got worse. It seems to come and go. I've had a look underneath as best I could and can't see anything untoward. All the brakes etc look good, I can't feel anything through the brake pedal and it is not related to the drive system as it does it out of gear and without the engine running. So I'm thinking the obvious thing is the wheel bearing's on it's way out.

Is there anything else it could be, or I should check?

Also if it is the wheel bearing what's the best place to get them? I only ask because people regularly say that this part from JK is rubbish or that part from GSF is not so good.

I've seen bearing kits on eBay for £10 (per wheel). Anyone know if they're any good?

Big thanks as always for your help.

Martin

[armyphil]

Get the parts from Simon at brickwerks, I should say it's wheel bearing but check you discs and pars while your there you might just have grit dirt in the somwhere

[Ian Hulley]

Check for play in the bearing, the fronts are pressed into the hub, which is part of the disc. Brickwerks is the best place for such things.

http://www.brickwerks.co.uk/index.php?o ... 0&Itemid=6

The inner pads can wear and be difficult to see though.

http://www.brickwerks.co.uk/index.php?o ... 7&Itemid=6

Your's will be the 'early' version on bearing and hub parts Martin.

Ian

[kevtherev]

yeah jack it up and spin the wheel.. should be smooth
I'd certainly check the pads (wear) and calliper for any seized parts.

I found it easier to change the disc along with the outers/inners as the inners are a bugger to get out without damaging the bearing surface.

[fullsunian]

Martin, could be front wheel bearing would get noiser the faster you go and will go on and off as you turn left and right. Or could be sticky/seized front brake pads. Like Kev said you will soon know when you jack the front wheels up. If your really stuck give me a shout, im not too far away
IAN

[72BUG]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I'll jack it up and get the wheel off tomorrow weather permitting, so I should know better what I'm dealing with by then.

Ian - Yeah the noise speeds up with the van but I can't feel anything through the brake pedal which is why I suspect it's probably the bearing.

Would I be right in asuming if one's gone then It'd probably be better to replace both at the same time?

[armyphil]

I do but that is my preference

[fullsunian]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I'll jack it up and get the wheel off tomorrow weather permitting, so I should know better what I'm dealing with by then.

Ian - Yeah the noise speeds up with the van but I can't feel anything through the brake pedal which is why I suspect it's probably the bearing.

Would I be right in asuming if one's gone then It'd probably be better to replace both at the same time?

Martin, you don't have to change them as a pair, just good working practice to do so. Get two kits anyway, then if you knacker one up fitting.....
IAN

[72BUG]

Just had the van jacked up and had a good look underneath and everything looks in good order. Brakes / disks etc all OK, wheel nuts tight. However when I grab the wheel at 12 and 6 o clock and rock it there's about 5 mil of play in the wheel.

Would I be right in saying there shouldn't be any play at all or is a little bit normal?

[armyphil]

There should be some play but that seems to much try adjusting the bearings, see if that cures tour grinding. Or if you have time take the disc off and repack bearings and adjust properly if that don't work change them

[72BUG]

Cheers Phil.

Think I'll order a couple of bearings anyway coz while I'm stripping it down I may as well stick new ones in.

[Ian Hulley]

Cheers Phil.

Think I'll order a couple of bearings anyway coz while I'm stripping it down I may as well stick new ones in.

You'll need a punch or a drift to knock the inner and outer bearing outer races out .... there are scalloped channels which allow access to tap the race made into the hub (on the late ones anyway but I'd imagine they'll still be there on the early as well)

Ian.

[armyphil]

Cheers Phil.

Think I'll order a couple of bearings anyway coz while I'm stripping it down I may as well stick new ones in.

You'll need a punch or a drift to knock the inner and outer bearing outer races out .... there are scalloped channels which allow access to tap the race made into the hub (on the late ones anyway but I'd imagine they'll still be there on the early as well)

Ian.

Ian is right they are the same

Like it's been said before brickwerks is the place ro get them from, but I don't think he is open for a few more days?

Good luck and if you get stuck ask away on hereO

[Ian Hulley]

My advice would be to repack and take them up and see what you get play-wise, you don't dog these things up as they are tapered thrust bearings. If Simon's not open for a few days it can't hurt to try. Take it CAREFULLY at first though

Ian.

[72BUG]

Ok. Thanks again guys.

I'll have a proper look when the New Year hangovers gone. The shops will be open again by then anyway.