Wheel Bearings

amiranda12 · 08-09-2005, 06:11 AM

hi,

I have a BMW 325IS ('94) and I think I have a wheel bearing problem. I experienced a similar bearing failure in 2000. My back right wheel started making a humming sound that increased as I speed and normalized. when I slowed down, it went away.

Now, I believe is the front wheel, but the, which started like a humming sound, now is more of a irregular thumping kind of sound. I spent $700 fixing the back wheel bearing, and I am wondering how complicated it is to fix it myself.

Can anyone give me some advice?

much appreciated.

Stephen 325TDS · 08-10-2005, 02:17 PM

'not sure if I like the description you give of the bearing - sounds as though it will come out in pieces!
As far as I know, (I've only changed the rear) the front bearing comes as a unit, and you'll require a puller to remove it.
I wouldn't drive for too much longer if the noise is how you describe it.
Good luck.

Stephen

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

You need to lift the car off the ground and shake the wheel with your hands to see if it wobbles - that's the gut-test of how you determine if wheel bearings are truly the problem. A lot of times, people find out they are not the main problem...

-Wayne

amiranda12 · 08-15-2005, 05:29 AM

Thank you both. It looks like the front hub replacement is the solution - only $150 in parts...

Will lift auto and shake wheel and see...

Have not been driving it much.

thanks,
Al

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

Let us know what you find out...

-Wayne

blkongry · 08-16-2005, 07:30 AM

Wheel bearings going out almost always show up as a 'rumble' in the car... low and faint, but noticeable.

Yeah, jack the car up high (use jack stands of course to secure it) and, using your hands, grab the top and bottom of the wheel/tire and try to move it back and forth. Don't grab side to side, otherwise you could just feel the movement of the steering linkage instead of slop in the wheel bearings. If you can actually feel the slop, then your bearings are quite worn. If it is wheel bearings, you should just feel a little 'play' in the assembly. If you get any kind of a clunk when rocking the wheel, then that's not wheel bearings, and it's probably something more serious.

I don't know if you want to change out the entire front hub. I mean, that includes a new rotor, then you have a new rotor and a worn one on either side... if you get a new rotor for one side, you should do it for the other, plus change the brakes... best to keep symmetry in the system so the brakes don't pull to one side because of better grip. Also, with a whole new rotor assembly, don't you have to get the bearings pressed in the new rotor hub? If so, then just get new bearings, have the old ones pressed out, and press new ones in... the time/labor involved is negligible.

amiranda12 · 09-08-2005, 09:51 AM

Sorry for post to take so long. tried the front wheel shake test, and both were OK - it turned out to be the same back passanger side wheel bearing. Cost to fix at a local Goodyear McGee tire shop was $350. Not bad considering had paid for same job 750 back in 2000. And it failed again!

thanks again

parolof · parolof's Garage

weird, they must have fitted a bad bearing, did you use the same shop the last time?

chanse_pritzi · 09-08-2005, 05:56 PM

I have 95 325Is rear was making a roaring sound wasnt sure if it was the differential or a rear bearing. I noticed when I took a sharp left turn the noise would go away when i took a sharp right it was still there.
Got bearing from pelican parts $35.00 and bought a 20 ton press from arbour freight $185.00. replaced passenger side works great saved money and gained a press...