Hub Bearing Going 'South'?

[1999montana]

Well Folks,

At about 211,000 KMs, I think I've finally experienced one of those dreaded hub bearings that has slowly but surely taken the speed sensor with it.

Have had a low growling sound on the right side for some time now, (thought it was the aggressive tread on the new tires). Because the weather has been cold, I suspect the hub bearing has not let go yet like it might in hot weather. (The left side went about 4 years ago literally all at once on a hot summer day, so it didn't have time to take the sensor with it beforehand).

Well, the ABS / TCS light came on for the first time yesterday. Each reset turns it off, but after a few minutes of driving it's back on. Could be a connector, but I think the likelihood is it is something worse. Hoping that a scan will tell me what I already believe, that the right side hub bearing is generating the code and is now ready to be replaced.

I checked RockAuto, and I can buy a new bearing, but depending on what vehicle it fits, there may be more than one replacement. RockAuto even goes to the bother to list the specs on the measurements of the hub flange, etc.

While I can replace the bearing myself, I'm thinking that: A) guessing it is the right front hub bearing with out a scan is not economical B) in order to ensure I get the right bearing, I might as well let the shop do the work and bite the bullet.

Any thoughts?

[rkvons]

With the history you spoke about, you are probably correct with the right one being bad. Can't you jack the front end up and see if the right wheel has more play (feels sloppy) than the left one? Also, I would get a GM replacement wheel hub. You can get one online a lot cheaper than at a dealer. You never know how long you'll still be driving the old beast and I've heard other brands don't last as long.

[1999montana]

Thanks for the reply.

I think I will take it in to a trusted shop here and have them do a scan. Won't say a word to avoid influencing the diagnosis. I wouldn't be surprised if it displays a code showing that the RF hub is acting up though.

I'll get them to use the stethoscope to listen to the bearing, and check the hub for run out. Then assuming its a done deal, let them do the Re & Re. Just want the 'beast' to be safe to drive for a bit longer. Cheap 'insurance' really.

Planning to 'jack the paint up' and run a new car under it by spring.

[woscarr]

I hope it is a trusted mechanic !

Here's the deal with a 98 Trans Sport (same body as montana) I have, but now is parked in the barn. I'm on my 2nd U-body 3.4l GM minivan and so far no engine or transmission woes for me. But the ol' Trans Sport's body has seen better days.

So anyways about 2 years ago front right wheel bearing was making pretty awful sounds, I panicked brought it to the local garage and $700 later I had a new front right wheel/hub assembly.

While my van was at the shop I got a call from the mechanic explaing the wheel bearing was the culprit and that there were 2 types.. 1; good one $450 and 2; cheapo $275. He also went on to explain horror stories about customers who bought the cheapo one. So opted for the $450 wheel hub.

Well about two weeks after that the front left wheel bearing started make noise and going south quick. I freaked I couldn't afford another 700 so soon..

So I hit ebay and bought one for $46 and installed it myself. In the end it cost another $22 for the 34mm socket.

Drove the van for almost two years after this..

A $450 on one side and a $46 on the other... Can U tell the diff !? I CAN'T !!


Cheers and God Bless
Wayne.

[1999montana]

Well Folks,

Took it in and didn't say a word about what I thought it was, only that I had my own opinion. After a scan, and a quick road test the tech came back and said that it looked like the front right speed sensor was tripping the code. Wasn't sure exactly why, but definitely the RF.

After putting the van on the hoist, we determined that there was a bit of run out on the right side hub, that did not exist on the left. The RF hub had been growling for about three months. I figure it took the sensor with it while it slowly turned the roller bearings to mush.

We decided to replace the hub/sensor assembly and see what that did.

I could have done the replacement myself too, but even so, in an unheated garage in mid winter, my arthritis would kick up something fierce. If it was spring or summer, I would have done it for sure.

$450 later, I'm on the road again. As a matter of fact, the first repair to the LF (with the same aftermarket hub) was performed in 2006 for about the same cost. No more codes, and the growl in the front end is gone. I'm happy.