Wheel Bearing? Constant grinding noise

[DSM4G63T]

I bought a 95 AWD Talon that needed a transmission. Once I put one put in, the car makes a constant grinding noise when over about 15 mph. Thought it was the brake calipers initallially, but eliminated that thought. It is definately coming from the front part of the car and more to the right and possible the left, too. Basically sounds like a brake pad with no pad left grinding on the rotor. Can not imagine it is the transmission or Tcase doing that-they were used when I got them, but I heard a wheel bearing going bad on another car and it sounded different than mine. Only put about 10 diagnostic miles on it so far and was not sure if I should drive it more to see what happens. Any thoughts will be appreciated!

 

[MrBoxx]

To check for a wheel bearing, jack up each corner of the car so the tire is about two or three inches off the ground. Put your hands at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions on the tire. Grab the tire firmly and try to wiggle the tire in and out as if you were trying to change the camber of the wheel. If the wheel jiggles, it's a sign that the wheel bearing is failing.

 

[oldman]

To check for a wheel bearing, jack up each corner of the car so the tire is about two or three inches off the ground. Put your hands at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions on the tire. Grab the tire firmly and try to wiggle the tire in and out as if you were trying to change the camber of the wheel. If the wheel jiggles, it's a sign that the wheel bearing is failing.

Slight correction. There are three things that can cause play, wheel bearing, tie-rod end and control arm balljoint. Have a friend get under the car and check if the movement is coming from tie-rods or control arm balljoint while you jiggle the wheel, if the movement is coming from the wheel/hub itself then it's the wheel bearing.

 

[MrBoxx]

I was wondering about whether a tie rod or ball joint could cause play but haven't got enough experience with them to know how they interact. I'm still not up to par on my suspension knowledge.

But I'm working on it.

 

[oldman]

You're doing just fine.

 

[Blinder666]

You might also check the backing plate behind the rotor. If it got tweaked at all when the tranny was being changed it might be slightly rubbing on the rotor and that might be what you are hearing. Easily a different noise than most wheel bearing noises and sounds similar to the wear indicator tabs from brakes. Also the noise would be coming from the same spot as the wheel bearing. Hope this helps.

 

[DSM4G63T]

Thanks for the help. I checked for play the other day and it was very very slight. After I read your replies I decided to take the bearing out. I hit the rotor a few times to get it off and after that there was very bad play on the bearing. It is obviously pretty weak/worn. I hope that is it, I am going to pick up a new bearing tomorrow. Thanks again.

 

[MrBoxx]

You got the bearing off, just like that?? Damn you're lucky. On all three of my bearing replacements, the dealership had to cut through the hub and axle with a torch!

Reminder: Anti-sieze is your friend when you put the new hub on the axle.

 

[GVR4592]

Slight correction. There are three things that can cause play, wheel bearing, tie-rod end and control arm balljoint. Have a friend get under the car and check if the movement is coming from tie-rods or control arm balljoint while you jiggle the wheel, if the movement is coming from the wheel/hub itself then it's the wheel bearing.

Another addition: The axle retaining nut not being tightened completely will cause play.

 

[DSM4G63T]

Yeah I did. I was surprised, too. Especially since the car has been sitting for a long time before I bought it and it was hard to get the lug nuts off let alone anything else.

 

[DSM4G63T]

Thanks for the help. For those of you who read this who have similar problems, it was the wheel bearing making a constant grinding noise. It was the front right so I was concerned it had something to do with the transmission. Now since that noise is cleared up I can hear the front left bearing now! Not near as bad though. I am selling the car so if anyone is interested in a 95 Talon TSi AWD in Michigan let me know.

 

[oldman]

Glad you got it resolves. Just one more thing, like dealing with braking components, you should have done both sides at the same time.

 

[SoonToBeDSM06]

I know this is an old thread but it is the same problem I have. I just started to have a grinding noise like that and it is coming from the front passenger side wheel. I checked the play and there was none at the 12 and 6 position. Any other ideas? Mine only happens at low speeds and while braking

 

[DiamondStarAwd]

Your brake pads are low. . When you break its pressing that warning tab against the rotor. Just a guess

Does it make the sound when you turn?

 

[rare1]

My car does this also. No play in wheel,changed ATF filter and fluid,replaced CV joint,and I also rebuilt my T-case. Still has a constant noise even in corners! I'm going to pull my CV joint back out and inspect everything again! Any replies would be apprieciated

 

[MrBoxx]

I just found out that sometimes wheel bearings can make noise without having play in them.

After hearing a noise coming from the rear of the car, I did the usual check for wheel bearing play and found that, oddly, a front wheel had play in it. Okay, bought the bearing at my store, had Mitsu install it for me for cheap. Noise is still there. I brought it in to have it diagnosed and the tech said that it was the rear bearing that was making the noise, though the front also did need to be changed.

I again ordered the wheel bearing from my store... and then yesterday it was stolen out of my car, along with a few cd's, some engine belts, my winter hat, and my freaking name tag and lanyard. Luckily, they left my DSMLink cable, which was right under the cd's. My stereo, gauges, turbo timer, etc were all left alone. You can't begin to comprehend how angry I am right now. Anyway, I'm just going to make an appointment with Mitsu to have the rears changed out, along with a total rebuild of my emergency brake system, since that's apparently completely deteriorating, as evidenced by the fact that when engaged, my e-brake basically does nothing to stop my car from rolling down the slightest incline. *sigh*

 

[sloganish]

i had the same problem with my crx, maybe i can use this info....

 

[oldman]

You can't begin to comprehend how angry I am right now.

You don't sound very angry. I should really take my tool box out of my trunk.