[BlueDonkey]

Recently I've noticed some noise; it appears to be coming from the passenger side front wheel. It sounds a lot like tire noise (pitch and intensity are related to speed). However, the noise has persisted through a wheel and tire change and front alignment. Also, the noise lessens when I make right turns, and I can feel a vibration in the gas pedal around 50mph.

Any ideas on what's causing it?

 

[lowflyn]

Don't know how to help you short of someone sticking their head in your wheel well on a road test...

 

[Shahrum]

This sounds like what happened to me over the summer. I drove thru an unmarked parking lot that had just layed down asphault to fill in cracks. That asphault hardened up on my tires which caused not only noise.. but a ton of vibrations and instability at 50+ mph speeds. Check to see if there is any debris on that tire.

 

[BlkStang4Me]

Since you've mentioned that you have changed out the tires and the noise persisted, it sounds like your wheel bearings either need to be repacked or replaced.

 

[Shahrum]

Ah... my bad... didn't see the part about the new tires.

 

[BlueDonkey]

ok; how difficult is it to replace a front bearing, then? driveway project, or take-it-to-th-shop?

Looks like it's not hard, but the manual says to tighten the retainer bolt to ~260lb/ft!

 

[Smokedya95stang]

Where did you get your alignment done?
Take it right back to them and say that your front end is acting up, and you want to know what it is.

 

[Horse]

Wheelbearing. I had the same thing happen to mine. You can try taking off the spindle and packing it with grease. I did that to mine and it helped, but the growl didn't go away until I replaced it. The front bearings are all one peice with the spindle, so you have to replace the whole thing, which sucks. A new spindle will run you about $75. As I recall, you have to take the wheel off, the brakes and disk. Then get a big freakin' breaker bar and take off the nut in the center of the hub which is behind the domed, rubber covered cap that is in the center of the hub. You can pry that off with a screw driver if you're real carful. Try not to rip the crap out of the edges though. Just tap it under with a hammer and pry gently. With that nut off, the spindle comes off and you can replace it.

Oh, and when you take the calipers off, use some wire or something to support them out of the way. Don't let them hang from the brake lines. It's bad for them.

If I forgot anything, anybody feel free to fill in the blanks.

 

[BlkStang4Me]

I agree with Horse. You're biggest problem is going to break that nut free. I think my only concern would be making sure you got it on tight enough afterwards. You may want to check around at some local shops to see how much they would charge you to do it. I wouldn't think it would cost very much but you never know.

 

[Rick0636]

hit breaker bar with 2# or larger hammer, rather forcefully, it will loosen, and get tight. Don't think a torque wrench even goes as high as you quoted, if you have an air wrench turn it wide open and torque it to it!

 

[BlueDonkey]

Replaced the hub and bearing today, and no more racket. That seems to have taken care of it. Thanks all for the help.

 

[Smokedya95stang]

sweet, wheel bearings are easy.

 

[Horse]

Sweet, I was right... I'm getting pretty good at this car stuff.

 

[BlkStang4Me]

Awesome man! Glad you got it fixed.