Wheel bearing - confirm my suspicions?

[Disco Matt]

I think my right front wheel bearing is on the way out, as I'm getting a roaring noise (which is still there if I dip the clutch and coast downhill, and is louder than the tyres) which goes if I swerve to the right but returns when going in a straight line or turning left. My theory is that this is due to some of the vehicle weight being shifted from that wheel to the left front, thereby reducing the load on the bearing.

I have jacked it up and there seems to be a very slight bit of play - not enough to see but I can definitely feel a clonk when I try to rock the wheel which isn't present on the rear right. Have I spotted a dud bearing long before it does the old "weld itself solid at 50mph" trick?

[Hightower]

I reckon that the bearing would be the best place to start looking, yes.

[mass199]

I would replace said bearing, i won't take long to replace and costs less than

[Disco Matt]

Thanks chaps, I'll get it sorted. Annoying as she seems to be running really well apart from that!

[morson4x4]

definately the bearing just done my rear one dont drive it anymore till its done unforuntely i did and the shel welded itself to the stub, i done the work myself other than slipping a garage

[Disco Matt]

Oh, don't worry - it won't be going anywhere apart from a slow limp to the garage along quiet back roads (so I don't hold too many people up at 30mph!)

[Range Rover Blues]

Wheel bearing has washed out and pitted so you need to look at the oil seal and the journal it runs on on the stub axle too.

I'd suspect the inner end of the RH hub, the one that usually welds itself on.

If you get the hub off it's not too hard to drive the bearing races out, use a solid screwdriver and a hammer as a drift.  When starting the new one back in you use the old race to get it going in square or better still cut a slot in the old race with a Dremel and use it to drive the new race home.

If you use a screwdriver then you will notice the hammer start to bounce back as the race gets seated into the hub, just be very careful you don't let the tip scratch the new race.


Always work loads of grease into the bearing before you fit it and fill the hub with grease too.  As a guide about 20-30% of the grease you put in actually lubricates the bearing, the rest surrounds the bearing keeping it wet (and cool).