What’s That Front End Noise?

The front end noise of a car, specifically where the wheels meet the road is a complex topic, could be the wheel bearing.  Or is it?  As a driver I didn’t think much of it, but when I extended my DIY skills to this area…

Please note, this is just my experience, and I’m just sharing something that might help others.

Help with your traction control?

What’s Under The Front End?

1. Wheel Bearing: Allows the hub (and thus the wheel) to rotate smoothly with minimal friction.
2. Axle Shaft: Connects to the wheel hub, transmitting power from the transmission to the wheels in front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive configurations.
3. Control Arms: These are pivotal suspension links that connect the wheel hub to the vehicle frame or body. They allow for motion while maintaining wheel alignment.
4. Ball Joints: These are flexible joints, usually found in control arms, that allow for movement in multiple directions. They provide a pivot point between the wheel hub and suspension.
5. Suspension Struts or Shock Absorbers: These components help absorb the impact from road surfaces and keep the vehicle balanced and stable.
6. Springs (Coil or Leaf Springs): Work in conjunction with struts or shock absorbers to cushion and absorb road irregularities.
7. Steering Knuckle: Houses the wheel bearing and forms a pivot point for steering. It connects to both the suspension and steering components.
8. Tie Rod Ends: Part of the steering system, connecting the steering rack or linkage to the steering knuckle, allowing for steering input to be transmitted to the wheels.
9. Sway Bar (or Stabilizer Bar) Links: Connect the sway bar to the suspension to reduce body roll during turning.
10. Bushings: Rubber or polyurethane components that cushion and minimize friction between these moving parts, reducing noise and vibration.

 Front End Wheel Bearing Issues

In my case the issue was the wheel bearing.  The first sign I noticed was a humming noise. This noise grew louder with speed. It’s a classic symptom. I also felt vibrations in the steering wheel. These are clear indicators that something’s wrong.

Troubleshooting

Initially, I was perplexed. Is it the wheel bearing or something else? I checked for play in the wheel. I jacked up the car and wiggled the tire. If it moved too much, it was a bad bearing. This simple test was enlightening.

Deciding on DIY or Professional Help

After diagnosis, the big question arises: fix it yourself or seek professional help? This depends on your skill level. I was confident in my abilities, so I chose the DIY route. But for beginners, professional assistance might be safer.

Tools Required for the Job

To replace a wheel bearing, you need the right tools. These include a jack, lug wrench, screwdrivers, and a bearing press. Don’t forget safety gear like gloves and goggles. Having these tools prepared made my job smoother.

First, remove the wheel. Then, take off the brake caliper and rotor. Accessing the hub assembly reveals the bearing. I took my time here to avoid damage.

Installing a new bearing requires precision. I carefully pressed the new bearing into the hub. Ensure proper alignment. Once in place, I reassembled everything in reverse order. It’s a rewarding process.

After installation, test. I took a test drive to check for noises or vibrations. Smooth driving and no strange sounds meant success.

Conclusion

I hope this helped in some way.  It was a bit of work, but I would definitely do it again, especially with the considering the savings.  I now also started paying closer attention to driving like avoiding potholes.  Unrelated, but helpful.. You can check for RECALS HERE, and if you’re scanning your car, here’s the list of OBD Codes.