Re: Wheel Bearing Maint. question

[harrison <hsapir@multiverse.com>]

I've had both front bearings go bad in my 90q. When it happened I got loud
vibration noise & feel that got worse with speed. I did not have the time or
tools to repair them, so my mechanic performed the operation.

harrison

Matt Rooke wrote:

> I am curious about the collective opinions regarding wheel bearing
> maintenance.  Is it a good idea to clean and repack them, or even replace
> them?  What grease should be used?  My CQ has 115k and I've never touched
> them.
>
> Background:  I have developed a light squeaking noise.  Sounds like it is
> coming from bottom rear of car.  It only occurs between 40-50mph, it
> "modulates" and the modulation frequency (but not that of the actual
> squeak) varies with speed.  Sounds like about once per rev of the wheels.
> Brakes (pedal and hand), acceleration, coasting- no effect.  It goes away
> after a minute or 2, and doesn't return until the car has sat for some
> number of hours.  After eliminating the brakes, seems wheel bearing is the
> next likely suspect.  But none of the hubs get hot, so it is not very
> bad... yet.
>
> Given the elusiveness of this one, I don't expect to further isolate it
> unless it gets a lot worse.  I wonder  whether it would be worth pulling
> the bearings to inspect/ clean/ replace them.  It might not fix the
> problem, but maybe it is good maintenance anyhow?  Has anyone else
> experienced a bearing failure?  What are the symptoms?    Any other
> suggestions for possible causes?
> TIA,
> Matt Rooke
> San Jose CA
> '91 CQ