Whining

[PEGE63]

Not been driving the car for awhile but jumped in it after daughter n wife told me about a low pitch whining noise they have had for some 2 days. Took it for a run and can deffo hear a noise at 40-50mph, it's deffo not rpm dependant, seems to come from left front. Could it be wheel bearing? Have the car booked into Indy for Wed's , my question to you is simple, - do I park it or can I drive it? What's your gut feeling?

[Model flyer]

Bearings can whine for a long time,some for hundreds of miles without actually failing or breaking up or before any play can be felt . Check wheel nuts are tight and check for any play in the bearing. If OK then use it until its booked in . Just my opinion .If your uneasy or unsure leave until garage checks it.

[Guy XC70]

Originally Posted by PEGE63

Not been driving the car for awhile but jumped in it after daughter n wife told me about a low pitch whining noise they have had for some 2 days. Took it for a run and can deffo hear a noise at 40-50mph, it's deffo not rpm dependant, seems to come from left front. Could it be wheel bearing? Have the car booked into Indy for Wed's , my question to you is simple, - do I park it or can I drive it? What's your gut feeling?

Wheel bearings tend to be speed dependant in my experience, with a characteristic grumble at slow speeds rising in volume and somewhat in pitch to a mid-range rumble at about 30 and not changing much above that. You can usually detect play as noted above simply by jacking the wheel up and testing for play top to bottom (obviously not side to side as that will tell you more about slack in the steering gear).

[green van man]

The problem is that these are one piece bearings and have to be really shot before you can detect play.

I only knew the caravan bearings were shot because I spun the hub with the brake shoes removed and the rumble was audable, no play in bearings, no noise heared in car when towing.

Works sprinter has a wheel bearing that is howling, garage tells me it is fit for further service. Were it my vehicle it would of been changed by now but lease company go on mechanics report.

Paul.

[PEGE63]

It was front right bearing.......

[ekonomik]

Originally Posted by Guy XC70

Wheel bearings tend to be speed dependant in my experience, with a characteristic grumble at slow speeds rising in volume and somewhat in pitch to a mid-range rumble at about 30 and not changing much above that. You can usually detect play as noted above simply by jacking the wheel up and testing for play top to bottom (obviously not side to side as that will tell you more about slack in the steering gear).

2 Jan 2016 V40 1998 Auto
That's also what the RACV guy said to me the on NYE.
Car was making noises like if you were rummaging through heavy old rusty bits of old machinery in a farm shed. Sound was coming from under my foot well area and at low speed.

We talked about noises for a while and he then checked the wheels and did what you say.
He jacked up the front of the car, grabbed the wheel and wobbled it.
He told me to place my hand on the tyre while he wobbled the wheel and I could feel a movement like when you have a joint click back into place ( I mean your neck or knee or shoulder!)

Then I drove around while he listened and of course - there was no noise now.

He said it was the wheel bearing and not to drive too far, just go home and see a mechanic asap.

Well, being 5pm on NYE, on a freeway with another 80 km to go and 40 degree heat, I was thankful for the advice and gave him a cold drink, drove home safely, had a cider and hopped on my bike. hee hee

MY QUESTION - If you're still reading, do you think any competent mechanic could do a proper job on this or should I go to a Volvo dealer / specialist?

My mechanic is away for 3 weeks and the other two Volvo guys are out of town for one week, I'm not in a major city.

p.s. I think I will also ask this question in a new post because this one is not headed wheel bearings. Sorry Admin, but you see what I mean?

[ekonomik]

Originally Posted by PEGE63

It was front right bearing.......

Hi Pege63. Would you mind reading my question on this page, wonder if I need a specialist Volvo mechanic or do you reckon any could do a good job on the bearings?

[Model flyer]

Hi you can replace a wheel bearing your self if you are a reasonably competent mechanic. The front beaing will require a press or some serious heat to remove the old and install the new bearing into the hub .Replacement reconditioned hubs are available and are the simple way to do the repair. They cost from. £40 to £50 per hub .and take all of the hassle out of the job. Most of it is covered in the Haynes manual. You will need a decent set of tools/sockets a torque wrench and some thread lock.

[ekonomik]

Thanks for your helpful reply Model Flyer.

[green van man]

For press also read big hammer and suitable drifts. Providing the hub is well supported a big hammer will deliver a shock load of 40tons or more, enough to shift even the most stubborn bearing.

My caravan Alco bearing has to go back to the manufacturer to be changed according to the book. I knocked it out with a suitable drift, measured it up knocked it back in so I could refit the wheel in storage. Baught replacement bearings and had a mate with a lathe turn me a set of mandrils so that bearing changes are a doddle.

Paul.