2000 Blazer Front left Vibration/Humming -- Wheel Bearing?

[starla3366]

2000 Blazer Wheel Bearing?

I just completed all four rotors and pads, plus both rear calipers. But two days before I completed this brake job, I failed a state safety inspection. I needed to replace both front ball joints, tie rods, and repack the wheel bearings. I Brought it to the dealership I bought it from cause I have a warranty. The Dealership repaired all parts stated above. Dealership wanted 3 Grand but thanks for the warranty that I bought I only had to pay 100 bucks. I know, thank, God!

Now after having all this completed, I got this humming/vibration coming from the front left wheel area. I can't think it be the brakes, as I did the work myself, but I'm not really sure. Does anyone think I might have a bad wheel bearing?

This Vibration can be weak at times just as it can be strong also. I'm actually scared to drive it. I've noticed it happens a lot just as I've hit the brakes. But, it doesn't just do it when I brake. It does it at slow speeds, like an idle speed. The tire isn't rubbing against anything either, that was the first thing I looked at. And it only does it once and a while.

PLEASE HELP,

anthony

p.s. Getting rid of the brake squeal is a pain in the butt. High temp wheel bearing grease works great on the back of the brake pads!

[tbischop]

And this vibration is new since the brakes? I doubt it would be a wheel brg then. I'd suspect that you bent the dust shield/ backing plate and it's rubbing the hub or rotor. First thing I'd do it pull the left side apart to check for anything installed incorrectly/ bent.

The other thing I'd be looking for is a caliper that's seized if you hadn't replaced them. A proper slider service is critical. Did you lube the new slider pins? Install them correctly?

[starla3366]

I've checked all parts that would rub up against anything wheel wheel is in motion. Nothing there. I've properly lubed the caliper pins also. I've also removed the caliper to check if it seized also, it's not. I'm really struggling here and tempted to bring it back to the dealership. But, I hate doing that because I like doing my own work. I WILL NEVER GIVE UP! at least that's what I keep telling myself. Anymore suggestions?

[Rick Norwood]

Does the vibration seem to get louder when turning the wheel in one direction verses the other? I had a similar problem where if I turned the steering wheel to the right then quickly to the left, the noise would stop. When I pulled the front wheel bearings out I found one that was leaving metal flakes in the grease. It shouldn't take much to inspect them. Look for the obvious metal flakes of course and also for any discoloration of the rollers.

[BlazerLT]

Sounds like a bad bearing for sure.

Never repack bearings, only replace.

[starla3366]

The noise is there no matter what, if the wheel is turned or straight. If there is any doubt it's a bearing, it's going straight back to the dealership. The dealer did the work on it and will fix the problem, it's not my fault the quality of work/parts were bad.

I've got one person (blazer lt) that thinks it's a bad bearing for sure, I'd really like it if another said for sure, that way I'll have a positive answer, no offense blazerlt. I appreciate your feedback blazerlt.

By the way, mine is an LT also and I LOVE IT!

[BlazerLT]

You can't repack bearings on our models I think, they are sealed and are replaced as a whole.

You have

1.) Bad bearing.
2.) Warped Rotor
3.) Tire has shifted a belt.

And yes, LTs ROCK!

[starla3366]

Originally Posted by BlazerLT

You can't repack bearings on our models I think, they are sealed and are replaced as a whole.

You have

1.) Bad bearing.
2.) Warped Rotor
3.) Tire has shifted a belt.

And yes, LTs ROCK!

If it were a warped rotor, then the vibration would be there constantly, right?

[BlazerLT]

Not necessarily, but most of the time yes.

Have the tires checked. A shifted belt can cause this too at high speeds.

[starla3366]

Originally Posted by BlazerLT

Not necessarily, but most of the time yes.

Have the tires checked. A shifted belt can cause this too at high speeds.

I will be checking the tires in the morning. But, it only happens at low speeds. Say you pull up to a stop light and apply the brakes, the moment your foot travels to the floor it will vibrate/humm then the moment my foot lets off the brake it goes away. I did notice a few times that it vibrated/hummed when I wasn't pressing the brakes, but it was immediatly after letting off the brakes. It only does it at low speeds from, say, 1-20 mph.

I am really appriciating all the feed back i'm getting. THANK YOU

[BlazerLT]

Sounds like warped rotors.

[starla3366]

I must have recieved warped rotors from Advanced Auto parts. So, now it's not the bearings, it's the rotors. Thank you.

[BlazerLT]

Go out and drive at 60mph and press on the brakes hard.

If the truck shimmys and vibrates , the rotors are warped.

Just check everything to be sure.

[starla3366]

That's a little rough don't you think. I'm not really sure about slamming on the brakes at 60 mph, but I will press them a little harder then normal and see what happens. You got the right idea on checking everything. I'll let you know what happens tommorow.

[BlazerLT]

I didn't say slam, I said hard.