what shocks should I get? and a question about wheel bearings

[zachzchw]

For my 1997?
I basically want to smooth out my ride, as it feels like Im being bounced all over from the slightest little bump.

Also, I have a humming sound- sounds sort of like a tire drone. Im assuming its a wheel bearing, as the tires are all fine.
How much should I expect to pay for that repair, or is it relatively simple?

[Chris Stewart]

I'm wanna try the Edelbrock inertia valve shocks when it's replacement time.
Does the drone noise get louder when veering one direction and get quieter veering the other direction? That's a good sign of wheel bearing trouble but I'd check the air pressure in the tires first. I bought some tires and when mounting them, the tire guys had the right side at 55psi and the left side at 32 psi. It was noisey and pulled left until I set the tire pressure 32psi front and 30 psi rear.

[zachzchw]

Originally Posted by Chris Stewart

I'm wanna try the Edelbrock inertia valve shocks when it's replacement time.
Does the drone noise get louder when veering one direction and get quieter veering the other direction? That's a good sign of wheel bearing trouble but I'd check the air pressure in the tires first. I bought some tires and when mounting them, the tire guys had the right side at 55psi and the left side at 32 psi. It was noisey and pulled left until I set the tire pressure 32psi front and 30 psi rear.

I only hear the noise when Im driving straight. It doesnt get louder or quieter- its just sort of there.....
Tire pressure was the first thing I thought of- its fine.

[Chris Stewart]

I haven't heard of noisey front wheel bearings driving straight with our Bravadas yet.
You might check the front and rear differentials for gear lube. After you remove the plug, put your little finger in the hole. You should be able to get the tip of your finger wet with gear oil within a 1/4" of the hole.
The tires on mine are a noisey set of all-season tires, quiet before the change and noisey after.

[zachzchw]

Originally Posted by Chris Stewart

I haven't heard of noisey front wheel bearings driving straight with our Bravadas yet.
You might check the front and rear differentials for gear lube. After you remove the plug, put your little finger in the hole. You should be able to get the tip of your finger wet with gear oil within a 1/4" of the hole.
The tires on mine are a noisey set of all-season tires, quiet before the change and noisey after.

Levels are fine.....I cant figure this out. It really just sounds like a consistent drone.

[Chris Stewart]

You might check for an exhaust leak and the exhaust resting against something solid under the car like an improperly installed replacement exhaust part. I've heard of one case of failed motor mounts letting something in the drivetrain stay against the car frame/chassis at normal speeds.

[ericn1300]

do you have any idea of where the noise is coming from? that would be a good start. get your brother in-law drunk and throw him over the hood to listen from several directions as you accelerate hard and test the brakes.

[zachzchw]

Originally Posted by ericn1300

do you have any idea of where the noise is coming from? that would be a good start. get your brother in-law drunk and throw him over the hood to listen from several directions as you accelerate hard and test the brakes.

It sounds to me like its coming from the front of the car, on the passenger side.
I jacked the car up, and tried to wiggle the wheels, as I saw that mentioned as a way to test the bearings. No movement.
Im really, really stumped- gotta get this figured out! I dont trust having my newborn baby in the car until I know what the problem is......
Also, I use my truck for work- so Im now driving my wifes 98 grand am- complete with seat covers with pink and purple hearts and little puppy dogs on them.
HELP ME!

[ericn1300]

does the noise go up and down with the speed of the vehicle or does it follow the rpm of the engine. in other words if you get up to say 40 or 50 and back off the gas suddenly to coast, does the noise go away right away or does it decrease slowly as the vehicle slows down?

[zachzchw]

Originally Posted by ericn1300

does the noise go up and down with the speed of the vehicle or does it follow the rpm of the engine. in other words if you get up to say 40 or 50 and back off the gas suddenly to coast, does the noise go away right away or does it decrease slowly as the vehicle slows down?

Nope, doesnt change.

[Chris Stewart]

Here's a long shot...try removing the fuse for the heater blower motor.

[zachzchw]

Took it to Midas today.....
Front right wheel bearing, and the cv axle.
Then they tell me I have a problem with my oil core lines- I think thats what they said, anyway.
Estimate on the bearing/axle was $719, oil lines will be another $400+.

[ericn1300]

oil lines is a pretty easy DIY project, don't know about the cv joint

[zachzchw]

Originally Posted by ericn1300

oil lines is a pretty easy DIY project, don't know about the cv joint

Any truth to the price he quoted?
They also said you can only buy them from the dealer.

[BrownBravada]

Seems exspensive. I just replaced a wheel bearing was 160 for the part and took me about 2 hours. Seems like they are trying to rip you off. The bearing is easy to replace. That solved all my drone sounds.