36000 miles I notice a humming coming from the back of the car. I jacked it up to day and shook the wheel I really couldn't tell but the more I shook it I could tell it had a little play I checked the other side which I could tell was solid. I am driving 700 miles tommorrow to Minneapolis. I was wondering if the bearing would hold out. I plan on replacing it when I get back I just don't have the time tonight. Sorry my first question was a little vague. I also pulled the brake to make sure it wasn't hanging it looked fine. Any suggestions or can I safely assume I have a failing rear wheel bearing. Also my antilock light is not on I have heard it will turn on if the bearing has already failed. Do you think 700 miles is too far to test out this potential problem?
2007-08-23 13:15:57 · 5 answers · asked by Phil S 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I'm not sure why anyone would think the ABS light comes on for a failed bearing.
You're looking at a wheel locking or coming off. When a bad bearing quits it usually trashes the seal and lets the differential fluid spray all over the place if it's a straight axle rear wheel drive. Bearings fail very quickly once they start going bad.
2007-08-23 13:41:30 · answer #1 · answered by Nomadd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if it only has a little play and i mean barely noticable movement. and doesn't scape or grind when turned by hand you should be ok for a 1400 mile trip (round trip). if it moves say 1/4 inch in any direction i wouldn't take that car. even with the chances of it making it good you can never say when one will catastrophicly fail. it is your call to make.
good luck.
as for the abs light that is usually triggered when the wheel speed sensor goes bad, it will show if that wheel isn't turning at the same speed as the others. had to replace 2 of those on the front of my wifes 99 grand am.
2007-08-23 13:34:39 · answer #2 · answered by P W 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it was just a sound not the play, I would say probably...
Those bearing luck the wheels sometimes when they break inside the hub, causing it to stop suddenly. At HWY speed, it may cause the car to roll. I would strongly encourage you to fix before you take the trip, or postpone your travel date.
Good luck!
2007-08-23 13:28:03 · answer #3 · answered by Mazda man 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you ever ben passed by your own tire with sparks in the rear view. I have 50/50 Do it or fix it. Looks like fix it to me.
2007-08-23 13:25:44 · answer #4 · answered by Shade tree 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If its a FWD car it's a quick fix. Get it fixed otherwise you will be paying for a tow out of the woods.
2007-08-23 14:12:56 · answer #5 · answered by Garfield 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋