Bearing growl.. but from where?

[ericsmith32]

Picked up the Festiva this weekend, Festiva owner for the 5th time. Dad got a Spark so didn't need 2, and this one has seen better days. It has a new one from me. I changed the both front hubs out a month ago from my old automatic which was I thought was good and the growl is still there. Also had to work on the back brake's so I know those are good also. Did the touch test and the back ones were cool to the touch, the drivers front was a tad bit cooler than the passengers front.

It sounds like it's coming from the right side. Definite bearing growl and changes with speed. The tires are new on the front, and the transmission is full of new fluid. Alignment must be pretty close as it doesn't pull and rides pretty good. Think there is a bad tire on the back though.

Could it be internal to the transmission or should I try another hub? In the past I just got different hubs and problem solved. Thoughts?

[TominMO]

Does the growling stop when you make right turns? I.e. take the load off the right side bearings.

If it doesn't stop, might it be an axle shaft? How are the boots on the shafts?

Also change that bad tire to see if that's the prob.

Also you can jack up one wheel at a time and spin it, to see if it is quiet or not. Might help.

[ericsmith32]

Good point Tom.. I think one of the axles might have a torn boot. Have to look at it closer. It doesn't change on turns.

[WmWatt]

Try driving down the road swerving from side to side. Also park car and push and pull on top of wheel (tire) to feel if there is any play (looseness) from worn bearings. When my front bearings were going I could move my head from side to side along the dash when driving and hear it get louder from one side to the other so knew which side it was.

For worn CV's find an empty parking lot and drive slowly in tight circles in forward and reverse listening for noise.

Good luck.

[ericsmith32]

Looked at the axles and it doesn't have a torn boot. I'll take it to a parking lot later. And got the tire changed.

[ericsmith32]

It's most definitely the passenger side bearing. Seriously debating between rebuilding or the Aspire swap. I've never rebuilt a front bearing before but something I want to do. Looks like $24 for the bearings.. Not sure on the price of the hub/brake combo. I hate pick n pull pricing sometimes as it seems it depends on the person behind the desk.

Eventually everything is going to swapped to the shell down on the farm, if it's still good.

[WmWatt]

Here are some photos of a front wheel rebuild...

http://s1086.photobucket.com/user/ag384fb/library/Festiva-frontwheel

[FestYboy]

Too bad you weren't at madness, I put on a tutorial that whole weekend.

[Advancedynamix]

Does the festy knuckle take set 11 timkens?

[FestYboy]

Yes, aspire, festy and Capri all use set 11

[ericsmith32]

I'm just going to get the cheapest at Autozone for now. Thanks for photos.. watched a lot on YouTube and got the bearing race and seal kit at HF today. Going to attempt on Sunday if the wife deems I've worked on the bathroom enough!

[FestYboy]

Do not be afraid to grease the crap out if the center section. And don't use the new race to seat a new bearing. Seat the outer bearing on the spindle, seat the races in the knuckle, put those 2 together, then press in the inner bearing, in that order.

[ericsmith32]

Got it done... A hot water heater element wrench makes a good inner bearing driver. That inner bearing was a bear. Unfortunately the noise persists. It is quieter though.. very probably the drivers is bad to. Will try that one next.

[IslandCar]

I'm looking to replace a growling rear wheel outer bearing. I pulled it apart and greased the existing bearings, but they show signs of overheating (metal is discolored on rollers) and the growling is still there. Can anyone tell me the appropriate part number for the inner and outer rear wheel bearings?

Thanks!
Chris

[1990new]

I'm looking to replace a growling rear wheel outer bearing. I pulled it apart and greased the existing bearings, but they show signs of overheating (metal is discolored on rollers) and the growling is still there. Can anyone tell me the appropriate part number for the inner and outer rear wheel bearings?

Thanks!
Chris

Rear Inner:
Timken Set 4 $4.84 at rockauto
http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo....128147&jsn=481

Rear Outer:
Timken Set 1 $4.23 at Rockauto
http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo....128147&jsn=479

Rear Inner Seal $2.98 at Rockauto
http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo....128147&jsn=505