93 325i rear axle noise

[ritjeff]

Any suggestions on how to differentiate between a bad rear wheel bearing and cv joint? I have the vibrating/whirring noise fairly constantly on left side, gets louder when turning one way- quits when turning the other. While under the car, I thought the sound was coming from the outer cv joint, but another opinion said the bearing. It's really hard to tell, although I am leaning toward the bearing as the culprit. Also, does anyone have instructions on replacing the bearing if that is the case? The car has disc brakes in the rear. Thanks!

[dfrost]

When my rear wheel bearing started to go, it made a "whup-whup-whup" noise when turning in the direction that would put lateral loads on the bearing (right side when turning left). I never did find any DIY repair instructions, but it was headed into my local BMW garage for some service anyway. As I recall, the cost was about $500 for both sides.

The CV joint would be suspect if the boot has torn, AFAIK.

[Troy911]

Just got done installing a new rear wheel bearing and axles on my 1992 325i .
Before you start with these steps remove your sway bar and muffler .I'll give you the steps sounds easy but it takes aleast 2-3 hours (each side):

Tools needed : 13 mm wrench ,12 mm wrench,30 mm 12 point socket , 15 mm wrench , E14 Torx, side hammer, bearing press tool, gas torch, If your a rookie dont try this.

1 remove wheel
2 remove brake caliper
3 remove brake rotor
4 remove alxe
5 remove rear hub
6 remove wheel bearing
7 install new wheel bearing
8 install rear hub
9 install axle
10 install brake rotor
11 install install caliper
12 install wheel