Hello all, I'm new and am in need of some help. I am hearing a vibration noise coming from the right-front wheel, and am suspecting that it is a bearing problem. I've rotated the tires and the sound does not move. I've called around to a couple of local dealerships and it sounds like a relatively expensive job. My questions:

1) am i on the right track as far as suspecting the bearing?
2) how difficult would this be to do myself?
3) any further insight is greatly appreciated, thanks!

Kris

 

It's about $135.00 at a parts store. (ABS/wheelbearing.)

 

If you have some tools and mechanical ability then the job looks simple enough. Since the bearings are sealed at the factory there is no need to have to grease them. But I would find a Service Manual like either Chilton's or Clymer's to be sure.

I went to www.napaonline.com to look at the bearing part and there are three bolts holding the ***'y in place. It looks like a simple procedure: 1. Lift front end and place jack stands under frame to support vehicle (never work on a car with just the jack to hold it up) 2. Remove tire/wheel ***'y 3. Turn hub ***'y to get better access 4. Spray with WD40 or similar rust removal product 5. Get proper wrench/socket and remove bolts partially and use them to get hub ***'y partially out. Once the hub is loose remove the bolts the rest of the way and from there it is just the reverse of removing...

Here is what it looks like out of the truck:

http://www.napaonline.com/masterpages/NOLMaster.aspx?PageId=470&LineCode=BRG&PartNumber= BR930497&Description=Hub Assy - Front Wheel

 

thanks for the help all. further suggestions are welcomed, but this should get me off to a good start!

 

well, the hub assembly replacement was a success, however, it did not solve the problem. the sound is most definitely still there.. anyone have any alternatives they might suggest?

 

How are the inner/outer tie rods? ball joints? idler and pitman? could be a bad relay rod too.