I'm getting a progressively worse sounding hum/grind from somewhere in the front drive train. It seems like it wouldn't be the wheel bearing or axle because it takes a few revolutions(in my opinion) of the wheel for the sound to appear.

So, that said, what are the signs a wheel bearing is going bad in these cars? How are are they to replace?

Thanks.

A whir or humming noise when you turn is normally the first sign of a bad bearing. The right side is bad if it happens when you turn left, and vice versa.

If you can do a brake job, you can do a bearing change with the addition of a 30mm socket.

James Cahill wrote:A whir or humming noise when you turn is normally the first sign of a bad bearing. The right side is bad if it happens when you turn left, and vice versa.

If you can do a brake job, you can do a bearing change with the addition of a 30mm socket.

don't forget the t55 torx bit.

Well changed the driver wheel bearing and the noise is still there. The correct socket is 1 3/16 I think. T55 as well. Fairly easy to get off but it was 94 degrees out. Noise is still there. I'll change the other side either tomorrow or next weekend. If that doesn't cure it I have to look at either the axle's or clutch. bugger.

Also, the new bearing came with a seal and O-ring. I saw no evidence of seal or O-Ring on the hub that I removed. I also tried to see where this seal would fit on the new hub....I couldn't see one. I have the factory service manuals and there was no mention of the seal or O-Ring on this hub.

Am I missing something?

To check a bad wheel bearing, the easiest thing is to take it off and "listen". Put the bearing up to your ear and turn it. It should make a similar sound to what your hearing ten times worse in the car.

Wasn't as easy just listening to it. I changed out the passenger side yesterday and that did the trick. Noise is gone.