87 - 5KCSQT - Rear wheel bearings...

[Dave C.]

David B writes...
"I purchased the rear wheel bearing kit from SJM Autoteknik. (snip ...)
Is there a way to
absolutely determine which end is causing this?  I know that it should be
the left side as opposed to the right since the loud noise all but
disappears while turning left and increased while turning right.  "

David,
I think it would be obvious whether it's front or rear, but not obvious
whether it's left or right.  The direction of turn when the noise occurs is
>not< a reliable indicator of which side the bad bearing is on.  A
"stethoscope" is a reliable way to determine which bearing is bad.  You
need to get all four wheels off the ground.  Then with the engine running,
transmission in gear/wheels turning, listen to each hub.  Listen by
pressing the tip of a large screwdriver against the hub/bearing housing
with the side of your head pressed against the screwdriver handle while the
wheels are turning.  You will be able to hear the noise from a bad bearing.

"Is this the best time to install these springs?  I will be getting an
alignment after the bearing has been
replaced and don't want to have the work done in the wrong order."

I don't think rear spring/strut replacement would affect the alignment, and
I don't think there's any adavantage to doing the springs while you are
doing the wheel bearing.

Dave C.