1997 Dodge Caravan, 194,000 miles. There is a noise that comes
from the drive train when above 40mph. It increases in frequency
as the speed increases. Can't really say which side it's coming from.
No noises when turning sharply (slowly in a parking lot, both directions) , and no boot damage on drive axles.
I think it's the wheel bearing hub but how do I tell for sure without
buying new ones to try replacing. $110 each. I put the van on jack
stands and looked for play in the drive axles, but couldn't detect anything. Suggestions?
2006-08-27 00:16:17 · 5 answers · asked by smile4u 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The problem sounds exactly like a wheel bearing problem. CV joints usually go bad soon after the boot breaks and contaminants enter. They make themselves known by clicking sounds when turning.
A bad wheel bearing can make itself more apparent by hard braking from high speed. This throws the weight of the car forward and the bad wheel bearing will groan in protest! Pay close attention to which side the groan comes from.
With the car on jack stands and the transmission in neutral, you should be able to turn the front wheels by hand. With the wheel spinning by hand, notice by feel and sound any vibration or noise that just doesn't sound smooth to you. Compound this indication with speed and weight and the noise/vibration will amplify.
Good luck!
2006-08-27 00:53:11 · answer #1 · answered by Les 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the best way is to jack up front end put it in gear you would hear the wheel bearings making noise if they were bad, if there is no noise then you should look at the condition of your tires as next possible cause.
2006-08-27 09:56:46 · answer #2 · answered by mlw0351 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if its a clicking noise when turning than its a cv shaft. sounds like a wheel bearing to me. if ones bad then usually they both are bad.change the one that u hear and then u prob will start hearing the other
2006-08-27 08:31:58 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ive had both problems. yours sounds like a bearing. a uv joint usually clanks some. Hub is a low pitched crunchy hummm. Most garages will check for free . Pull the hub off and look. it usually only a cotter pin and a nut.
2006-08-27 07:34:12 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
put your van back on jack stands.grab wheel[both sides one at a time]push and pull[top and bottom]no movement then it,s your c.v. joints.
2006-08-27 09:53:59 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋