Wheel Bearing/Hub Problem? 2001

Hello all, I've got a 2001 LeSabre Custom with about 100k miles on in.

A couple of weeks ago, all of a sudden I noticed a faint noise that sounded like a low-pitched growling, almost like a motorcycle. It rises in pitch the faster I drive, and the sound continues almost until I make a complete stop.

It seems to be a little louder now, but maybe that's just because my ears are better tuned to it now, I don't know.

At 50mph the pitch is about an open string low "E" note on a guitar.

I can feel a little vibration from it when I place my foot flat on the floorboard.

I lowered first my left window, then the right, but the noise didn't seem to be coming primarily from one side.

Driving straight or in a curve doesn't affect the growling.

Could it be a bad hub/bearing?

Any links to photos or descriptions of the replacement procedure would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Phil

Tough to diagnose noises in this environment, see if the noise changes when turning slightly to the left and right at speed, also check for " scalloping" of the tires which can mock wh. bearing noises.

I just had a similar noise, '01 LeSabre with 100K miles. What tipped me off to wheel bearing hub was the noise would change (a little) when turning as opposed to going straight.

Put it up on a lift, ANY play in the hub means it's worn.

A new hub ran me $160, and it's fairly easy to do yourself, but you'll need a honkin' big socket for the nut on the end of the axle.

Thanks Maxwedge and Jamyers. Tonight I raised each side of the front end, and grabbed the tires top and bottom and checked for play. The left side has about 1/8" play and the right side has none.

I also completed a little experiment. I taped a mini recorder on the left side up under the car and near the wheel and drove around the block, then came back and did the same for the right side and compared the sounds, which seemed to confirm that it is the left side.

I can get a replacement bearing assembly for $128.99 at Advance Auto if it's the one with the plastic clip. It's cheaper if it's the one with the steel clip. But I forgot to see which one it has! :-(

I'm really tired and don't want to mess with it this weekend. Is this one of those things that's probably ok to postpone for another week or two, or should it be done right away?

Thanks,

Phil

From what I could tell comparing the two types of hubs, the ONLY difference is the clip that holds the ABS sensor wire to the car. See this thread for my story: http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=762930

The clip is behind the hub, so if you turn the wheels all the way to the right you can look in there and see which one you have - although apparently some stores charge a LOT more for one, and other places don't charge for the difference (ie, shop around).

Oh, and get ready to fight the tiny bolt heads. Not much room for different wrenches in there.

Well, I got it installed - what a job! I was surprised to see how large the 3 mounting bolts are, because their heads are only 13mm. And you're right, not much room to work in there. To make it worse they had some type of thread lock compound on them. Let's just say it was quite a work-out.

The good news is, the wheel didn't fall off when I test drove it.

The bad news is, the low pitched growl is still happening. I'm suspecting now some problem with the transmission. I don't suspect the engine, because when I rev it in neutral, the noise doesn't occur.

The brake pads and rotor on that side look good so I don't think it's coming from there.

Any ideas?

Thanks,

Phil

When driving I put it in neutral and shut off the engine, and the growling still occured. I'm wondering if it could be a problem somewhere in the axel where it attaches to the drivetrain. I really don't know enough about it though.

Can anyone suggest what it could be?

Thanks,

Phil

Does it change pitch when turning the wheel left to right at speed? Remember it could be the other side, correct? Not every bearing with slight play will be noisey.

i've got the same problem with my 1998, i pulled the wheels and spun the rotors after pressing the calipers in, i could not pick up the problem. i'm thinking it's a tire problem now. good luck and keep us informed