Wheel bearings

[Kuku]

In regard to this text from the website:

[i]

“Another method that’s been brought up in the comments to the above video quite a bit is the slalom method. This involves driving and turning the wheel from one side to the other while listening for the noise. If you make a right turn and hear the noise, the left bearing is bad, and the opposite is true for turning in the other direction. I’ve never tried this, but I’m sure it works, as many have mentioned it in the comments of the above video”

[/i]

I argue that this is not a valid test to determine which of the bearings are bad, As you all know wheel bearings have two parallel races, if the right wheel’s inner race wears out it will make more noise when turning left and if the right wheel’s outer race wears out it will make noise when turning right

In fact i just had a right wheel bearing that went bad and it did make more of the rumbling noise while turning right… the outer race was completely pitted away.

Just my 2 cents, Your thoughts?

Topic

[none]

It’s been a very reliable test for me. When you’re rocking the wheel back and forth, one side of the car lifts while the other side of the car squats. The side that squats is opposite the direction that you’re turning to. You’re shifting more of the weight of the car onto that bearing so it does amplify any groaning or growling side opposite turning direction. Worn bearing = friction. More weight = more friction. Friction = noise. More friction = more noise. In most cases, you can confirm the noise by turning the wheel by hand. Often enough, you’ll feel it just as much as you’ll hear it. The one place I can think of where you’d need to be careful with this is on four wheel drive vehicles in the differentials. The differential bearings can make the same noises and be on the same side as the direction you’re turning to. I learned that lesson on a Ranger.

[Bryan Carter]

I think that particular test is just another arrow in your troubleshooting quiver. Like any other diagnostic routine, it’s not going to work under all circumstances.

[Kuku]

I guess you’re right ,… BTW, I think i mixed up the outer/inner races in my example, but I guess the general idea was understood 🙂

[Author]

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